A new swimming centre in Whitchurch is on track to open its doors by Easter, promising to enhance aquatic activities in the community. The state-of-the-art facility will feature a 25-meter pool equipped with a moveable floor, allowing for versatile use catering to various age groups and skill levels.
The new pool will consist of six lanes, accommodating both recreational and competitive swimmers. Notably, the moveable floor can be adjusted to just six inches deep, making it accessible for toddlers. Conversely, it can also be lowered to provide depth suitable for scuba diving training, ensuring that a wide range of aquatic activities will be offered.
Construction of the swimming centre comes after the previous facility closed in March 2020 due to significant defects. The new site is being built on a fresh location in Whitchurch and is anticipated to serve the community in ways the old leisure centre could not. This includes a full programme of activities aimed at attracting more users, particularly those interested in competitive swimming.
Mr. Gilbertson, a representative involved in the project, expressed optimism about the new centre's potential impact on local swimming culture. He stated, "We showed the local swimming club around and I like to think they were very impressed." His enthusiasm reflects a broader aim to encourage more community participation in aquatic sports.
The new swimming centre is being constructed with a budget of £13 million and is currently on schedule and within financial projections. Mr. Gilbertson noted the challenges posed by inflation in the building trade but emphasized the exceptional value for money achieved throughout the project. "I think it's recognised that with the challenges of inflation in the building trade over recent years, we've got quite exceptional value for money," he remarked.
As work continues on the site, expectations remain high that the new swimming centre will not only meet but exceed community needs. The initiative aims to reinvigorate interest in swimming and encourage more residents to participate in both leisure and competitive swimming activities.
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