Here’s a sneak peek of the new Whitchurch Swimming and Fitness Centre

Peter Gilbertson, Whitchurch Pool and Fitness centre project manager and Shropshire Council Leader Lezley Picton enjoyed a tour of the new facilities

Shropshire councillors and the local media got a sneak peek of the new Whitchurch Swimming and Fitness Centre today (25 February 2025) before the it opens to the public to use on Wednesday 19 March 2025, ahead of schedule and on budget.

The state-of-the-art centre was getting a few last-minute tweaks as Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital and Peter Gilbertson, Shropshire Council’s project lead, carried out a room-by-room tour.

Robert said:-

“This is a fantastic new centre and I’m sure that it will soon become the heart of the community.

“There will be a range of top-quality facilities including a six-lane 25m pool, accessible changing rooms, a 41-station fitness suite and multi-function rooms.

“Every aspect of the centre has been cleverly designed and carefully considered.  The colours used inside were specifically chosen reflect the local countryside in North Shropshire but also make it easier for partially-sighted people to distinguish the different areas. The changing village cubicles provide a safer changing experience with direct supervision from poolside.

“We also have a moveable floor which allows the pool depth to be varied to accommodate different uses, a pool pod for wheelchair access and easy access steps to ensure everyone can benefit from using the new pool.”

Built by Pellikaan Construction Limited, it will have taken just 12 months from the demolition of the previous centre to its grand opening in March.

Robert added:-

“Despite taking so little time for a project of this size, the build quality is exceptional, and the range of facilities on offer will cater to all members of our community. It’s testament to our commitment to providing high-quality leisure services and promoting a healthy lifestyle for our residents.

“We very much look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to use this fantastic new facility from 19 March 2025. But also, the doors will be open before then to allow people to look around whist the final fitting and staff training is taking place and hopefully sign up for membership.”

Shropshire Council local councillor Tom Biggins added:-

“Local people are getting their swimming costumes ready in anticipation of Whitchurch opening one of the nicest swimming pools in the country. Whether you are a swimmer, use leisure facilities or just want a cup of coffee, please come and make use of this wonderful building in our town.”

The new facility is expected to attract visitors from nearby regions, boosting economic growth with the creation of 25 jobs and creating new opportunities for local businesses. Additionally, five local primary schools will benefit from the centre, providing essential swimming lessons and promoting physical activity among young students. Already more than 100 children have been signed up for swimming lessons.

The centre will be managed by the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust and Serco, who also operate several other leisure centres on behalf of Shropshire Council.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to visit the centre in the week before the official opening to take a tour around the centre and to sign up for memberships.

To find out more, people can visit the centre’s website here: Welcome | Whitchurch Swimming & Fitness Centre