Whitchurch’s new Swimming and Fitness Centre is a step closer to completion

How the south west corner of the new Whitchurch Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre may look

A topping out ceremony took place on Thursday 8 August 2024, at the site of the new Whitchurch Swimming and Fitness Centre.

Not only did this mark a significant milestone in the project which will see a new £14m swimming and fitness centre for Whitchurch, but it is also three months ahead of schedule and on budget.

Originally estimated to open in the summer of 2025, thanks to contractors Pellikaan Construction Ltd the revised completion date is now Easter 2025.

The new facility will offer a six-lane 25m pool, accessible changing rooms, a 41-station fitness suite, multi-function rooms, and a café with 20 covers.

Once open, it will come under the management of the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust and Serco, who currently operate Shrewsbury Sports Village, The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre in Shrewsbury, Market Drayton Leisure Centre and Oswestry Leisure Centre, on behalf of Shropshire Council.

Besides offering vital services to the community, the advanced centre will attract visitors from nearby regions, boosting economic growth and creating new opportunities for local businesses. Additionally, five local primary schools will also benefit from this state-of-the-art facility.

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member for culture and digital, said:

‘I am delighted that work on bringing this new swimming and fitness centre to the people of Whitchurch is progressing so well and ahead of schedule.’

‘Whitchurch has been without a swimming centre since the previous facility had to be closed due to structural defects in 2020. So, to hear that the new centre is likely to be completed by Easter 2025 is fantastic news.’

Listen to what Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member for culture and digital, has to say about this significant update in this short video.

Peggy Mullock, Shropshire Councillor for Whitchurch North added:

‘I am pleased that the plans for Whitchurch’s new swimming and fitness centre have taken account of the needs of those people who have mobility problems and disabilities.’

‘Easy access steps, a Pool-Pod to enable access by wheelchair users, as well as a lift to first floor gyms and studios. The new Whitchurch Swimming and Fitness Centre will really be a facility for all members of the community whatever their ability.’

Joining Rob Macey and Peggy Mullock at the topping out ceremony were Shropshire Council Leader, Lezley Picton; Shropshire Councillors Gerald Dakin; Pellikaan Construction Ltd Project Manager Steve Ford; and other officers from Shropshire Council.