There will be no gap in leisure provision in Sheringham if plans for a new public swimming pool and hotel development in the town are approved.
Local business leaders claim they have been offered the reassurance following a private meeting with North Norfolk District Council which is considering demolishing the ageing Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre and replacing it with a new state-of-the-art gym and pool complex.
They have been told the new development could be built on land neighbouring the current site, which would allow the Weybourne Road pool to be kept open until the new building is ready.
However, following a meeting between Nick Baker, North Norfolk District Council's Corporate Director & Head of Paid Service, the town council, sports association and chamber of trade, it has emerged the new building may not include a wave machine.
Andy Bullen, secretary of Sheringham Chamber of Trade, said: 'It's going to take some time because there are some delicate negotiations over land up there so it could take two years in all to complete it but I think this is a major step forward for the town to enhance the facilities available.
'The town is developing and we want to keep it special and this is a way of doing it.'
Splash Leisure and Fitness Centre was opened by the late Diana Princess of Wales in May 1988 but, according to the council, is nearing the end of its life.
The council revealed it hasn't ruled out refurbishing the pool but warned the move would not be cost effective because of the cost of heating the building, which is currently subsidised by taxpayers at a cost of £150,000 a year.
Local authority-owned land neighbouring the site could be sold for a new hotel and commercial development to help pay for the £8 million project.
Mr Bullen said: 'I've spoken to the secretary of the golf club who are very keen on the idea because it will be across the road from the golf course and there are no hotels for people to come and stay to play.
'They're going to build a new one on a new part of the land and retain the old one, and carry on using it, until the new one is finished so there won't be any loss of facilities. The idea is they won't have a wave machine, it will basically be a swimming pool with a keep fit centre on it as well.'
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