COUNCIL chiefs have given the green light to the city’s new £10.5million new swimming pool after appointing contractors and a company to run the new venue.
And following the meeting of Worcester City Council’s cabinet last Tuesday (September 15), the authority has also revealed city taxpayers had been forking out £300,000 a year to subsidise the existing Sansome Walk pool.
The new eight-lane pool will be constructed as an extension to the existing Perdiswell Leisure Centre, which will also receive a full refurbishment.
Work is expected to 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.
Cabinet members also agreed to the appointment of a new leisure partner to operate the new pool and its other leisure centres.
Coun Mike Johnson, cabinet member for Sport, Leisure and Retail, said: “This decision is an exciting milestone for Worcester that will put our vibrant city on the swimming map.
“The new pool is the largest capital spend by the City Council for many years and will mean Worcester is, for the first time, able to host regional competitions as well as provide facilities for swimmers of all abilities.
“The new arrangements for operating the new pool and our other leisure facilities are great news for our residents.
“We will be able to end the current £300,000 annual subsidy and instead receive an income stream that will help us pay for the new pool,” he added.
The completed 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 metre to two metre.
There will also be an 18metre by 10metre learner pool with a moveable floor, suitable for everyone from toddlers to pensioners.
The existing swimming pool at Sansome Walk will continue to operate until the new Perdiswell facility is completed.
The names of the building contractor and the new leisure operator will be announced next month, once procurement restrictions have been lifted.
