Work to start on swimming pool and fitness centre

Billed as the latest step in the regeneration of the city centre, Wakefield One will provide new facilities including a six-lane 25-metre main pool, 13m by 7m learner pool and a 100-station fitness suite.

The centre, which will be in Sun Lane, will also include a multi-use activity and dance studio, spectator viewing area, executive meeting room and a cafe.

Councillor Peter Box, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “We are all conscious that Wakefield was left without a swimming pool when Sun Lane closed. We had lengthy discussions on what should be provided in its place and I am very pleased to see the start of work on the new pool on the original site.

“The state-of-the-art sports facilities and attractive new building will be another great asset for the city, particularly coming so soon after the opening of the Hepworth Wakefield and Trinity Walk, which have already drawn thousands of people to the city.

“I look forward to seeing its completion in 2012 when the Olympics will put sport at the top of everyone’s agenda.”

The start of the project, which has a total budget of approximately £10.14m, follows the successful openings of the Hepworth Wakefield gallery and Trinity Walk shopping centre which have both brought thousands of new visitors to the city.

Site preparations will begin today and the Wakefield One project is due to be completed for the summer of 2012 to coincide with the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Paul Denson, assistant director at Drivers Jonas Deloitte, which is project managing the scheme, said: “We’ve been working hard to get the project to this stage, and it’s a real credit to the council and the project team that we are now starting on site.

“Wakefield One will be open at just the right time to coincide with the London 2012 Olympics.

“This will be a fantastic facility that can be enjoyed by all the community and we are delighted to be playing a part in this.”

Local sports clubs and community organisations are being consulted as the project progresses to ensure activities planned for the new centre meet community needs.