NORTHFIELD Pool and Fitness Centre which is due to be bulldozed to make way for a brand new centre will now not close until next year.
The closure, which was due to be towards the end of the year, and the rebuild is part of a 15-year contract with Serco to build four new pools across the city.
Northfield currently has a main pool, a learner pool, a gym, sauna, steam room, changing facilities and space for exercise classes and the new build will have those elements incorporated into it.
Coun Brett O’Reilly, who represents the ward on Birmingham City Council, said: “We have asked for some of the key features of the building to be kept, such as the stone columns, the council crest and the bell tower.
“These are iconic to Northfield and need to remain – it is for that reason that the developers have gone back to the drawing board.
“We welcome the investment that the development will bring to the area, but it is important to keep the town’s heritage as well.”
He added he had been told work was expected to start around June next year and last for 18 months, adding that Tiverton would remain open until the new Northfield Pool and Fitness Centre was completed.
The centre was taken over by the Birmingham Community Leisure Trust last month, which now runs it on behalf of the council.
A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said: “Northfield Pool will not close this year as originally planned as we have changed the order of building works.
“As soon as we can confirm the new date for closure we will inform staff and users of the pool.”
