SECURING the future of New Malden’s swimming pool was high on the agenda as councillors announced the launch of a consultation into plans to create a ‘new heart’ for the area.

Councillors voted to approve launching a consultation into plans to redevelop Cocks Crescent at a Growth Committee meeting at Kingston’s Guildhall on Thursday last week.

But there have been concerns that the swimming pool in the nearby Malden Centre, which could be closed as part of the development and is only one of two in the borough, will not be replaced.

Ward councillor Mary Clark said: “What we can’t have is a 10-storey block of flats.

“All I’m concerned about is the actual concerns of the New Malden residents.

“It’s very important that we keep at least a swimming pool. Whatever happens to Cocks Crescent please, please keep the swimming pool and the facilities that go with it.”

A public consultation was run in July last year, which found that securing the future of the leisure centre was residents’ biggest concern.

Kingston Royals Swimming Club, which runs classes at the Malden Centre, has expressed concern the group could be left without a swimming pool.

Councillor Andrea Craig admitted the provision of swimming facilities is ‘woeful’ and assured residents that such an issue would be taken into account.

Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis said: “I think it’s an incredibly exciting project.

“I’m very much sold to the idea that we do have to make something happen.

“Our council can go out and make this happen if we want to together. I’m absolutely committed myself to a new heart – a new town square – to that part of New Malden.”