Members of South Tyneside Cabinet were told earlier this week the Pier Amusements site in Pier Parade, South Shields, has been bought by the council.

It was revealed a new six lane, 25m pool with spectator seating, learning pool, fitness area and some water features, could now be built on the Foreshore.

Members of South Tyneside Swimming Club were thrilled with the news.
Head coach Ken Nesworthy said: "This is fantastic for swimmers. It is the news we have all been waiting for."

This latest development is the first phase in a wider programme to upgrade the borough's leisure facilities.

The new pool will be an investment for the future and also help improve residents' health through swimming.

It will include an income generating fitness facility. The building will also be designed to be sustainable and energy efficient.
Coun Iain Malcolm, the council's leader, said he's pleased the area is getting an all-weather facility.

He said: "I promised the people of South Tyneside that we would improve swimming facilities in the borough. It has been a priority for us and I am delighted to announce this development in our plans to regenerate and improve facilities for the people of the borough."

Councillors were also informed that in the economic downturn, Tavistock have decided to delay their plans to build a hotel on Gypsies Green and have been told by the council the site cannot be reserved for them.

Coun Malcolm said: "Given the significance of the Gypsies Green site as part of our Foreshore offer, we cannot afford to allow the downturn to delay our plans.

"That is why we are looking at alternative options for that site, including a centre of sporting excellence.

"We are working closely with other organisations to secure a more modest investment to bring the sporting facilities and surrounding infrastructure up to a really high standard."

David Armstrong, financial director of Tavistock Leisure, added: "Due to the economic climate, we have reluctantly decided that we cannot proceed with our plans.

"We discussed with the council the possibility of reserving the site for development in the future. They have declined, and we can fully understand their reasons for doing so."