A NEW fitness suite could be built at Meadowlands in Tavistock, after councillors gave the idea the thumbs up at a meeting last week.
Members of West Devon Council's economic, leisure and community development committee heard there was potential for expansion at the pool, either towards the Wharf or the Meadows.
David Inman, borough deputy chief executive, told the committee that as the new contract to run Meadowlands was about to be established, now was a good time to 'dip a toe in the water' and consider the possibility of building such a suite.
Ways in which it could be financed in conjunction with contractors could be investigated during the tendering process, said Mr Inman. Unlike public swimming pools, which always required subsidies from local authorities, public fitness suites could break even.
Mr Inman said: 'My understanding is there is a space in the market for something to happen at Meadowlands — that has been their view for a number of years.'
Cllr Dick Eberlie said: 'I am quite sure this will follow the wishes of people who use Meadowlands at the moment and many others who would like these facilities in the centre of town.
'I think Tavistock wants this and I would certainly welcome the idea.'
Cllr Dawn Rogers said the public swimming pool and fitness suite at Launceston was 'very successful'.
Cllr Alison Clish-Green said a fitness suite at Meadowlands would have to offer something different to be a success.
She said if the plan was moved forward, GPs in the town should be involved.
'This is something GPs would support. They try to get people on fitness programmes and there is such a lot of hype about the majority of the population being overweight,' she said.
The committee, which agreed the fitness suite project should be investigated further, heard informal advice had already been sought from architects as to a 'ball park figure' for the possible costs of the project.
A meeting was then held behind closed doors regarding tenders for the leisure contract at Meadowlands.