The public is to be given the opportunity to air their views on plans for the redevelopment of a new leisure facility to replace the existing Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre.

The plans for the redevelopment are shaping up and at a meeting of Cabinet at St Albans City and District Council on 7th July, proposals for the mix of facilities, options for layouts and additional facilities, and arrangements for public consultation were presented. The facility mix and initial design layouts will now go out to public consultation over the summer.

The three-week public consultation period will begin on Tuesday 21st July, and will include focus sessions with specific community groups.

Public displays showing the two design options will be available to view at the following venues:

· Bricket Wood Sports Centre

· Civic Centre, St Albans

· Harpenden Leisure Centre

· London Colney Recreation Centre

· Redbourn Village Hall

· Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, and

· Wheathampstead Memorial Hall (Marford Road)

Feedback can be given at the venues or online at www.stalbans.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/New-Leisure-Facility-Developments from Tuesday 21st July 2009.

A new leisure facility at Cotlandswick, London Colney, is also envisaged and the Council is gauging interest amongst commercial leisure and sports operators in helping to deliver this project. When the time comes, residents will be able to give their feedback on the mix of facilities and design proposals.

It is anticipated that both the Westminster Lodge redevelopment and the new leisure centre at Cotlandswick will be open to the public by early 2012.