A planning application has been lodged for a new pool in Knocknacarra three times the size of Leisureland, to be run on a not-for-profit basis.

The proposal for the Galway Regional Aquatic Centre has a 25-metre swimming pool with 16 lanes, a multi-use sports hall with a full basketball court and a gym.

Forbait Snamh Thiar has purchased a two-acre site opposite the Lidl and Aldi stores in Knocknacarra — the land is owned by Musgraves, which is reportedly planning to build a Supervalu supermarket on an adjoining site.

They plan to build the pool with a floating moveable floor which can be adjusted for water polo, swimming lessons, lifesaving training and for people with disabilities.

A previous attempt by those driving the project to build the centre at Cappagh Park on a site owned by Galway City Council had received €8 million in Largescale Infrastructure Funding (LSIF) from the Department of Sport. But it was shelved after a feasibility study carried out by the local authority estimated the costs to build it had skyrocketed from €17m to over €22m.

Spokesman Shane Heskin said the group of volunteers who are behind the aquatic centre decided to go back to the drawing board and buy an alternative site. They estimate it will cost €20m to build – of which €5m has already been raised through a private donation.

“We are optimistic that we can secure State funding for this. It will be run privately but on a not-for-profit basis so either we look for a manager to run it or we lease it to an operator with strict conditions on the hours available for water polo, swimming clubs and the public,” he explained.

“The beauty of this pool is that it can be sectioned off for different things and the floor adjusted to suit what’s happening, swimming lessons for kids, teaching kids water polo or doing lifesaving.”

When the previous project failed to get off the ground, councillors called for the €8m grant to be channelled to a major upgrade of Leisureland that is currently being designed or be allocated towards building a public pool on the east side of the city to serve the suburbs of Doughishka, Roscam and Ballybane.

Pictured: Images showing how the proposed new centre will look.