Now open – the new Radcliffe Leisure Centre

The new Radcliffe Leisure Centre is now open for business and has received the blessing of Team GB athletes.

At the £1.25 million centre in Spring Lane, Olympic swimmers Steve Parry and Mark Foster formally opened the new pool and super bantamweight champion boxer Scott Quigg helped to officially launch the centre at a fun day of activities enjoyed by local families.

The new leisure centre and pool has been funded by Bury Council.The pool, installed by private sector swimming business Total Swimming, is the UK’s first 25-metre demountable above-ground swimming pool and can accommodate up to 80 people in the pool with a viewing area for around 40.A new 48-station gym and new dry side and wet side changing facilities have also been created.

The council decided to establish the new centre after storms caused irreparable damage to the former Radcliffe Pool in December 2013.

Councillor Rishi Shori, deputy leader of Bury Council, said: “This is a fantastic new pool at a really handy location where we can also offer gym, sports and fitness facilities together on one site.

“Although our long-term plan is to build a brand new permanent leisure centre on the site of the old one, it’s really important we continue to provide accessible fitness facilities to our residents. I’m sure the people of Radcliffe will make the most of the pool and what Radcliffe Leisure Centre as a whole has to offer.”

Steve Parry, managing director and co-founder of pool provider Total Swimming, said: “The construction of a new temporary pool for Radcliffe is an important development for the local area and ensures that the community has continued access to first-class swimming and leisure facilities.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved with Bury Council, who had the vision and funding for this project, and together we are helping to make a difference to people’s lives.”

Visit http://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3106 for more information and to book online or take out a membership. Alternatively, phone 0161 253 7000.

ENDS

Press release issued: 26 June 2015.

Picture: Olympic swimmers Steve Parry and Mark Foster open the new Radcliffe Leisure Centre with Cllr Rishi Shori, deputy leader of Bury Council, and the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Stella Smith.