The latest plans to build a new swimming pool at Palmer Park could see less of the park cemented over with car parking.

Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) Palmer Park Development Framework sets out how Palmer Park will be transformed in the coming years, with a focus on the new 25m swimming pool.

The council awarded a £43 million leisure contract to GLL in January to design, build and operate Reading’s leisure service, including building two new swimming pools in Rivermead and Palmer Park.

READ MORE: Bar Iguana and Premier could lose booze licence after mass brawls and stabbing

Following consultation feedback, including opposition to the loss of green space to parking, RBC has revised its proposals for the park.

Adjustments which reduce the amount of parking mean less green space would be lost when the new car park is built in comparison to previous proposals.

However, the council adds that ultimately the amount of car parking – and lost green space – will  be dependant on a transport assessment at the planning application stage.

READ MORE: Car charging schemes including clean air zone and congestion charge proposed by Reading Borough Council

The park currently has 209 car parking spaces

Other additions to the framework include:

  • Space for coach parking and drop-offs
  • Cycle parking spaces
  • Removal of reference to proposal to remove the ERAPA accessible play equipment

The 25m six-lane pool at Palmer Park is expected to be ready by early 2022.

Like the new Rivermead pool, which is due to be complete by summer 2022, the Palmer Park pool will be developed to BREEAM Excellent sustainability standards.

RBC’s Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport (SEPT) committee will vote on whether to approve the framework on Monday evening (March 16).

As well as the new pool, plans for Palmer park include:

  • Refurbishing the stadium building
  • Two new cafes
  • A sensory and wildlife garden

The framework also sets out plans to find a new use for the vacant Victorian public toilet building.