In at the deep end

ALL change . . . the former Aldi site where Oldham’s new sports centre will be built, including the Dog and Duck pub

FINAL plans for Oldham’s flagship sports centre will put the town on the national sporting map, according to leisure chiefs.

Oldham will be able to hold regional and televised competitions like never before after ambitious proposals revealed an eight-court sports hall.

But aquatic clubs have been left reeling following the news the centre — set to replace the current Oldham Sports Centre in 2015 — will not contain a 50-metre swimming pool or diving pool.

If approved by Oldham Council’s Cabinet on April 22, the new centre, on the old Aldi site at Manchester Street/Cannon Street, will have a 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool of county-level standard, with spectator seating and facilities; a learner pool; an eight-court sports hall; a four-lane indoor bowls hall; an 80-station fitness suite; two group exercise/dance studios and a cafe.

The local authority revealed a new Royton centre — the location still under negotiation - would also host a 25-metre, six-lane pool, a learner pool, a fitness suite and two exercise and dance studios.

Councillor Hugh McDonald said: “This would mark another major milestone in our plans to transform sports and leisure for residents.

“The most significant change being proposed is that the centre would now have an eight-court sports hall. This would be a major upgrade from the original four-court plan.”

For the first time an Oldham facility will have the correct specifications to attract major regional competitions in netball, basketball and handball — plus large events like Sky Sports boxing.

Councillor McDonald added: “This would put us on the national sporting map.

“The swimming pool will also be a major improvement on what we already have — bringing us up to county standard with excellent spectator facilities.”