Posted on 14th Sep
A Former Olympic swimmer has backed a new swimming pool.
Construction on Ollerton’s new facility is under way, as part of a major investment programme in leisure facilities across Newark and Sherwood.
Due to open in the summer of 2021, the 20×10 metre pool with five lanes is being installed, adjoining the existing building, bringing a much-needed boost to Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Dukeries Leisure Centre.
The purpose-built pool will include a reception area, unisex changing village, poolside storage and pool plant room.
A representative of Total Swimming, one of the project partners, world champion and Olympic swimmer Mark Foster said: “In such a difficult time, it’s so heartening to see councils like Newark and Sherwood really prioritising the health and wellbeing of their community.
“Not only will this pool give local families a place to come and enjoy physical activity together, it will also give children in this area the opportunity to learn how to swim and be safe in water.
“I look forward to coming down again for a swim once it’s complete.”
The pool project has received great support from Sport England, which has committed a capital grant of £250,000 from its Community Asset Fund.
The leisure centre, which is run by the District Council’s own leisure company, Active4Today, is situated next to an area of land earmarked for a new housing development site, with more than 200 new homes planned on land between Hallam Road and Stepnall Heights.
Coun Roger Jackson, chairman of the council’s Leisure and Environment Committee, said: “Ollerton and Boughton is the largest population centre in Sherwood and the previous leisure facilities simply would not accommodate the needs of the growing number of inhabitants. Our residents deserve and need a top class leisure facility and I’m really pleased that work is under way.
Pictured above are, from left, Coun Roger Jackson, chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Leisure and Environment Committee; Neil Richardson, business development manager at Total Swimming; Andy Carolan, Active4Today managing director; and Olympic swimmer and representative of Total Swimming, Mark Foster.
