A DEBATE is under way over what to call the new £10 million leisure and community centre planned for Preston, Tadworth.
Borough chiefs have turned to social media to help with the debate, using Facebook to host the discussion.
The new centre, which will feature hi-tech gym equipment, a six-lane swimming pool, plus five-a-side pitches and a youth centre, will replace the ageing Banstead Leisure Centre, in Merland Rise, Tadworth, and will be built on the site of the dilapidated Tattenham Community Centre and Phoenix Youth Centre, also in Merland Rise.
Facebook users have flooded the site with contradicting views on what to call it; some argue it should feature Preston in the title to give the area an "identity", while others believe Tadworth should be in the name.
Facebook user Andrew McManus wrote: "There are two problems with the current name. Firstly it is not in Banstead, it is nowhere near.
"Secondly, and much more serious, by calling the leisure centre that is located in the very centre of Preston 'Banstead Leisure Centre' does rob the people of Preston of their sense of place."
Cathy Davey wrote: "Preston is a part of Tadworth area, so [call it] the Tadworth Leisure Centre, or is there a way both names [can] be incorporated? If the council is worried about the 'sound' of the name, you have Epsom Downs Primary School just down the road, so what about Epsom Downs Leisure Centre?
"We live in a close near to Tadworth Medical Centre, so again, for continuity, Tadworth Leisure Centre fits."
Clairey Purcell suggested: "Tadworth Holistic Centre. I think they need to incorporate other aspects into the name as they are proposing to be more than a leisure centre."
While Anthony Drewery added: "We called it Banstead swimming pool as kids. We never knew why they did not call it Tadworth swimming pool instead!
"And the word Preston is something that has only happened in recent years and people still call it Tadworth. So, why not keep Tadworth in the mix here?!
"The Youth Centre is better known as the Phoenix Centre to most as well. Giving it a new identity would stop the Phoenix rising again."
The facility will be built by Pellikaan Construction Ltd, which was responsible for the new Horley Leisure Centre, and plans include constructing a new access road and improving Merland Rise Recreation Ground.
The proposals also feature 107 houses and 23 flats, which will be built on the site of the existing Banstead Leisure Centre, which will help fund the new facilities.
Cllr Adam De Save, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's executive member for leisure, said: "Our contractors are in the process of moving the playground to a temporary new home on the edge of the Merland Rise Recreation Ground so it can still be used by local families during construction."
The Banstead Leisure Centre will remain open until the new centre is complete, expected to be next autumn.
What do you think the new centre should be called?
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