A CLOSED city swimming pool looks set to become a hostel and affordable homes after the YMCA and Sanctuary Homes put in an offer to buy it.

Plans have been submitted and councillors will be able to vote on the proposal to redevelop Sansome Walk swimming pool at a meeting later this month.

The site is due to be demolished between early autumn and late spring 2019, with an estimated cost of between £1.3million and £1.9million.

Worcester City Council will pay for the demolition and Sanctuary Homes and the YMCA intend to build 22 two-bedroom shared ownership homes, 76 accommodation units and a business hub on the 2.1-acre site.

Alan Moorhouse, head of adults and communities at YMCA Worcestershire, said: "In our new building we are hoping to attract a broad range of young people, offering them opportunities that they might not otherwise have.

"Our focus will be offering accommodation on affordable rents that young people on a limited income can afford.

"This plan is part of several exciting opportunities within the city. Currently we house 55 people within Worcester we expect to surpass this, giving more young people a launch pad for their future."

A spokesman for Sanctuary Group added: “As a major investor in Worcester, Sanctuary is keen to support the building of more, much needed affordable housing and we look forward to hearing the outcome of the meeting.”

But some residents are worried about the demolition of the site because the building is contaminated with asbestos.

City councillor Joy Squires, who represents the Arboretum, said: "I think everyone will be concerned that the demolition is carried out as safely as possible.

"The demolition of the swimming pool is a very complex operation.

"Because of that there will be a very detailed plan in place to make sure the demolition happens completely safely.

"We will make sure residents are fully informed once plans are in place for the demolition."

Worcester City Council said property management firm, Place Partnership, may erect a tent at the site, during the demolition process.

Jane Moorhouse, chair of the Arboretum Residents' Association, thinks the demolition cost is so high because of the need to remove asbestos.

She added: "I think residents accept the tent is the best way for it to be done and appreciate the fact that their health and welfare is being considered.

"Any building work is going to cause disruption to people living around the area. But it's got to be done."

A spokesman for Worcester City Council said: "The public’s safety will be paramount.

"It will be Place Partnership’s top priority for the duration of this work.

"They say that the erection of a tent while the work is being carried out is just one of a number of methods currently under consideration.

"It is too soon to state at this stage whether a tent will be employed or not when the work actually begins."

A Health and Safety Executive spokesman added: "Our expectation is that asbestos will be removed, as far as practicable, prior to demolition.

"This would normally be done using a number of enclosures but it is unlikely that one to cover the whole building would be effective.

"The building may be enclosed during works for weather and general dust protection."

City councillors will vote on the offer to buy the site at the council's policy and resources committee meeting on Tuesday, March 20.

In November, the committee agreed to give Sanctuary Homes and the YMCA a four-month period to draw up plans and make an offer for the property.

The Worcester News revealed that the YMCA and the council were in secret talks about the site last month.

Worcester City Council plans to pay for the demolition with the sale proceeds and a £750,000 government grant from the Land Release Fund.

YMCA Worcestershire has been looking for a new home since it sold its centre in Henwick Road, Worcester, last year.

Sansome Walk swimming pool closed in December 2016.