Demolition of Grade II Listed Swimming Pool May Be Imminent Despite Ongoing Efforts to Save it

Strategic Insights -

Talks are ongoing between Coventry City Council and potential developers to save the iconic Elephant building, but the process of demolishing the attached grade II listed swimming pool could be approved as early as the end of the year. The building has been standing idle since 2020, incurring a maintenance cost of £400,000 annually. An online petition to modernise and reopen the Elephant has garnered 725 signatures, but council member Cllr Jim O'Boyle believes that "signing petitions is easy, but running things is difficult." The swimming pool, opened in 1966, has been deemed "not fit for purpose" due to its high maintenance costs and lack of compatibility with modern parts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Elephant leisure centre's swimming pool is grade II listed due to its unique winged roof space and glazing.
  • The building has been closed since 2020 and incurs a maintenance cost of £400,000 annually.
  • Coventry City Council is holding off on demolishing the swimming pool in the hope that someone will take on the Elephant building, but a demolition application will be submitted in the next few months.

*Historic England is supporting the council's endeavour to demolish the swimming pool and has recognised the council's efforts to find alternative uses for the building.

  • The Elephant building has been the subject of interest from several developers, including leisure companies, paddle court operators, churches, and businesses involved in the night-time economy.
  • Cllr O'Boyle believes that it would be a "heart decision" rather than a "business decision" for someone to take on the liabilities of the swimming pool, which is falling down.

Statistics:

  • £400,000: the annual maintenance cost of the Elephant leisure centre since 2020.
  • 725 signatures: the number of signatures on the online petition calling for Coventry City Council to modernise and reopen the Elephant.
  • 1966: the year the swimming pool opened.
  • 50s: the decade when the Elephant building was first envisaged.

Sources:

  • Cllr Jim O'Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration, and climate change.
  • CoventryLive.
  • Historic England.