Image Credit: Luke Simmonds

Over 100 protesters have descended on the council offices dressed in swimming regalia. Those involved were protesting at council plans to close the Pyramids Centre.

The centre, which currently boasts a cafe, nightclub, pub and leisure pools, as well as hosting some of the city’s most prestigious live events is due to be axed “no later than 31 March 2008”, according to council documents.

Many of those opposed to the decision believe that the Southsea leisure complex is unique in Portsmouth and that it would be detrimental to the whole city if the complex was closed.

Council chiefs have predicted that the centre would require over £2m for repairs and maintenance over the coming years, and believe that the money could be better invested in improving other facilities around the city.

The closing of the Pyramids will free up finances to invest in other facilities such as the redevelopment of the The Mountbatten Centre.

A council spokesperson said “Councillors listened carefully to the deputations put to them by Pyramids campaigners at the council meeting.

Officers have been instructed to give them a report which compares the costs of securing a vacant site from April against someone continuing to operate the Pyramids, at least temporarily until the future of the site is clearer.”

The centre is not the only swimming pool dedicated to leisure use in Portsmouth but also the one of the largest capacity music venue in the city, with bands such as Hot Chip, Dizzee Rascal and The Hoosiers all lined up to play.

Aiden are also scheduled to play on the 28th March, only three days before the venue is set to be closed.

Our own Reviews Editor, Tallie Kane, believes that “the closure of the centre will be a tragic loss to the Portsmouth music scene, hundreds of acts both established and unsigned have entered its doors.

Once again, A valuable music community is suffering for business.”.