COUNCIL chiefs will choose a contractor to build Worcester’s new £10.5million swimming pool at a meeting of the authority’s cabinet.
The landmark development will moved a step closer to reality on Tuesday (September 15) when members of Worcester City Council’s cabinet will be asked to appoint a firm to carry out the work.
It is expected that building work for the eight-lane pool, together with a full refurbishment of the existing Perdiswell Leisure Centre, will begin towards the end of the year, with the pool ready to open its doors at the start of 2017.
It is anticipated that the existing gym and sports hall will remain open while the majority of the construction takes place.
The proposed complex will boast an eight-lane, 25-metre main pool with seating for 250 spectators. It will host regional competitions but will also be suitable for swimmers of all abilities, with a depth ranging from one to two metres.
There will also be an 18 metre by 10 metre learner pool with a moveable floor, suitable for everyone from toddlers to pensioners.
A state-of-the-art pool side ‘pod’ will be included, acting as a self service ‘lift’ which ensures access to the water regardless of mobility.
Access to the new gym and spin studio will be further enhanced by the replacement of the original single lift with two wheelchair friendly platform lifts.
The revamped Perdiswell complex will also boast fitness studios, 120 gym stations, a café and a fully refurbished sports hall.
Coun Mike Johnson, cabinet member for Sport, Leisure and Retail said: “Subject to Cabinet approval, this major milestone in the project will mean that in a matter of weeks Worcester’s new swimming pool will begin to be built.
“It’s fantastic that we’ve finally reached the point where our aspirations for a top class sporting facility for this city are to become a reality.”
The cabinet decision will additionally finalise funding and grant arrangements with both Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW) and Sport England.
HoW College will benefit from access to and extensive use of a number of services during term time including half of the sports hall, studios and new dedicated classrooms.
The existing swimming pool at Sansome Walk will continue to operate until the new Perdiswell venue is completed.
The successful contractor will be named by the City Council in early October due to commercial reasons.
