PEOPLE are being invited to have their say on proposals for the future of Temple Cowley Pools.

The campaign group hoping to buy the Temple Road facility is holding an exhibition of its plans for the site on Saturday at Templars Square.

It hopes to be able to keep the swimming pool, while adding the 20 homes required there by Oxford City Council, and a community centre.

Campaigner Jane Alexander said: “There will be an opportunity this Saturday, for people to see what the Save Temple Cowley Pools campaign group is proposing for the site and for members of the public to make their own suggestions as to what they want on the site.

Oxford Mail:

Jane Alexander

“Temple Cowley Pools site has now been registered as an asset of community value which gives us some time to prepare a fully considered bid for Temple Cowley Pools.

“We have numerous helpful ideas from some people who have got in touch as to how to do this but welcome all suggestions from more members of the public.”

Save Temple Cowley Pools has been opposing the city council’s plans to close the pools and replace them with a new multi-million pound facility in Blackbird Leys.

It has managed to designate the site as a community asset, which could give it six months to put together a bid, raise money and buy the site.

The city council decided to close Temple Cowley Pools in 2010 and since then the Save Temple Cowley Pools group has been fighting to keep it open.

A new swimming complex next to Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, in Pegasus Road, is expected to be finished in December.

This has been delayed by two judicial reviews which went to the High Court – with the council ultimately going ahead with its plans.

The city council has said it has to close Temple Cowley Pools because it is too expensive to keep running and it is no longer fit for purpose.

It put the site up for sale in January but no price has been put on the area, which is earmarked for 26 homes. Instead the city council is accepting bids.

  •  To see the Save Temple Cowley Pools plans for the site visit Templars Square in Cowley on Saturday between 10am and 3.30pm.