WOKINGHAM'S regeneration plans passed another milestone last night after councillors decided to move forward with negotiations for the Carnival Pool leisure development. 

The council's decision-making executive approved moving forward with pre-let negotiations for the ground-floor leisure unit underneath the 529-space car park. 

Talks between the council and interested parties are ongoing. 

American Amusements Ltd are currently discussing whether they could move the existing Big Apple Bowling site into the new unit once it's complete. 

The development of Carnival Pool, including a bowling alley, gym and indoor sports hall, was approved by the planning committee on July 22 this year

Cllr Philip Mirfin, executive member for regeneration and communities said: "It’s exciting to see this all come together as it will allow us to start delivering the town centre our residents deserve. Over the coming months people will start to see things happening around the Carnival Pool site as we carry out a series of ground investigations and surveys.

“We are also going to be carrying out some works on the old Wellington House car parks as these will be used next year to provide temporary public parking whilst the new car park is built. We are making sure we manage all the surveys and works carefully so they don’t impact on car park and leisure users which will remain open throughout."

The development will see the Big Apple and Southgate House demolished. 

A decision to approve the demolition of current cadet facility for the South East Reserve Forces Cadet Association sparked concerns from residents earlier this year, but the group recently secured planning permission to build a brand new facility in Elizabeth Park.

Further details on alternative parking will be released early next year once a build contractor is in place and the construction programme has been agreed.

The new multi-storey car park at Carnival Pool has been enabled through the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnerships Growth Deals funding which helps support projects benefitting the local area and economy.