New pool impresses visitors

Reporter: Beatriz Ayala
Date published: 24 September 2009


VISITORS toured the new Chadderton Wellbeing Centre and gave its innovative eco-pool the thumbs up.

Representatives from companies and organisations which helped plan and build the Wellington Street centre took a look around on Tuesday — and saw the 25-metre swimming pool filled for the first time as part of a series of final quality tests.

The Henry Taylor pool, named after the famous gold medal-winning Olympic swimmer from Hollinwood, has a unique combined power and heat system which will reduce carbon emissions by at least 85 per cent compared with traditional baths heating systems.

As well as the pool, the multi-purpose centre will incorporate a range of high-quality facilities in one location, including a dance/aerobics studio, library, fitness suite, community rooms and a café.

It is set to open in November.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “This is an important landmark in the development of what we are certain will prove to be an outstanding facility for Chadderton.

“The plans for this centre were developed following close consultation with local residents and a range of their suggestions and ideas have been incorporated into this project.”

The Chadderton Wellbeing Centre has been built as part of the award-winning LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) initiative by Community 1st Oldham Limited.

For more details visit Oldham Council’s website www.oldham.gov.uk or Community 1st Oldham’s website www.community1stoldham.co.uk