Calls for Coventry’s elephant building to be saved as residents suggest their ideas for landmark.

The demolition of Coventry’s Sports and Leisure Centre could be approved by the end of this year.

Readers have suggested ideas for the iconic city landmark, the Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre, also known as the ‘Cov Baths’, which could be demolished by the end of the year.

Readers say it should be ‘turned into a nightclub’ because ‘all the seating is there’, while others say it should be rebuilt as a ‘cheaper swimming alternative’.

The swimming pool is connected to the popular Elephant building. Coventry City Council considered it In February 2020, it was deemed “no longer fit for purpose” and closed.

Since its closure, the leisure centre has remained idle, costing taxpayers an estimated £1.6 million in maintenance fees. However, ongoing talks with the city council and potential developers may save the iconic Elephany building.

A petition was launched in June to’re-open’ ‘Modernise’ the elephant building into a ‘indoor facility’ for residents, students and the community to use.

The petition received 725 signatures and included calls to investigate ‘funding and management options’, grants from sporting bodies, collaborations with Coventry and Warwick universities, and more.

Clir Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, stated that the building costs the council £400,000 per year in security and that, in

‘In an ideal world,’ the council would like to keep the centre open. He stated, “There are private gymnasiums all over the place; they appear to be on every other corner.” The world has changed.

In an ideal world, I would like to keep them open, but unless someone steps forward and says they want to assume those liabilities, it is pointless. It’s great that people have these ideas, but at the end of the day, we need to back them up with facts.”

He added that a planning application for the swimming pool to be demolished will come forward in the next few months, and as for the Elephant building, the council is ‘holding off in the hope someone will take it on.

Readers expressed their feelings on the CoventryLive Facebook page about the Grade II-listed swimming pool, which is set to be demolished.

kokonuts stated, “About time it went. Yes, it is full of memories for Cov pensioners, but it has little value and is well past its use-by date.”

Angela Maughan addressed the issue: “Should rebuild it, give people somewhere cheaper to go swimming and other activities, swimming lessons, and to learn different sporting skills.” Emma Boss responded:

“It could be turned into a nice new nightclub with many different floors, along with sports activities during the day.”

Gemma said, “It’s a shame to see the empty building. Their facilities could still be used for athletic events, fitness, and well-being.

It is part of Coventry’s history and infrastructure. “Save it. Paul McDonagh stated that if this is true, the historic underground baths must be preserved.

It’s a shame they never used the money from the wave to renovate.” Covkid 1953 stated, “I used the baths 60 years ago and the sports centre 50 years ago when they first opened.” I’m over seventy.

I loved the vibe and buzz in postwar Coventry, as well as the Phoenix Rising building, but enough is enough.”

Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com