Building improvements worth tens of millions of pounds over three years have been approved by Aberdeen councillors.
Yesterday’s city growth committee discussed the authority’s £30 million plans, which include ambitious £3.5 million proposals for Northfield pool.
The facility used to welcome 60,000 users each year until a plant failure forced it out of operation in March last year.
Under the newly approved plans, essential repairs to the building, extending the wet changing facilities, adding a new gym and creating 31 additional car parking spaces will be undertaken.
But battle lines were drawn during the meeting over plans to fix an historic city wall.
There are indicative costs of around £250,000 for the work to stabilise the Balnagask Motte, which is a scheduled ancient monument protected by legislation.
Situated on Torry’s Baxter Street, it has a history dating back to the 12th century and was once the site of a mediaeval castle that protected the Dee estuary from raiders.
But the opposition SNP group called for the wall repairs be moved to the back of the queue – with priority given to improving Tullos and Walker Road primary schools.
SNP capital spokesman Alex Nicoll said that given the structure was supported by concrete blocks, it was in little danger of imminent collapse.
He added: “At the end of the day this money is for a wall and I think we need to prioritise Torry school children above that.
“I urge the administration to see this and put the repairs to these buildings first.”
He was backed by Liberal Democrat leader Ian Yuill, who added: “I would rather the money go to our schools.”
Independent Marie Boulton warned that it was a “slippery slope” to start doubting the priorities of officers.
She added: “I think this is very much timed as a stunt ahead of the upcoming Torry by election.”
Council co-leader Jenny Laing agreed, adding: “Perhaps they can tell us why children in Torry are more deserving that those in Northfield? There are just weeks until the election.”
The SNP’s amendment was defeated by five votes to four.
Northfield and Mastrick North councillor Gordon Graham welcomed the swimming pool funding.
He said: “I’m delighted that the work has been approved and I thank everyone in the community who has worked so hard for this.
“The public will be very pleased to see the pool reopening and, while it’s been a long road, we are finally seeing progress.”