PLANS to build a new leisure have been scrapped after the council said it is no longer financially viable. 

Droitwich Leisure Centre, on Briar Mill, was to be demolished to make way for a new £25 million site after it was deemed unfit for purpose.

Wychavon District Council said soaring inflation costs meant the centre would exceed the original budget and cost £42million.

A previous condition report found the 40-year-old centre was “showing signs of its age and operating way beyond its expected lifespan”, and the council said it no longer meets modern energy efficiency standards.

Instead, the council will spend £7 million to upgrade the existing leisure centre and build a new extension with a reception, café and learner pool and improvements will be made to its carbon footprint.

Treatment rooms will also be refurbished and extra car parking is also proposed.

Another £5 million will be spent to enhance the Lido, including a new skate park, pump track, and a replacement athletics track.

The Lido will get an upgraded entrance with a proposal to turn the upstairs of the Art Deco building into a restaurant.

The historic ‘Milk Bar’ area will be turned into a small holistic therapy salt room.

Sauna and steam pods as well as a children's play area are also proposed.

There will be £1 million to fund a Droitwich Spa Place Board proposal to create a health corridor between Vines Park and Churchfields Farm.

It will involve the creation of a formal towpath, solar lighting, new mooring and benches. There will also be a kayak launch and an e-bike hire scheme.

Cllr Aaron Powell, executive board member for resources and investment on Wychavon District Council, said: “This is an ambitious proposal that will use council taxpayers’ money in a more targeted and cost-effective way to improve access to leisure opportunities for people across Droitwich Spa in several ways, rather than concentrating everything on one site.

“I’m delighted we will still be able to deliver significant improvements to Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre to increase the user experience, while we have also listened and responded to what young people have told us about their leisure needs.”

If approved, detailed plans for each project will be worked up and delivered over the next four years.