SHROPSHIRE Council has announced that contractors have been appointed to build a new £13m state-of-the art swimming and fitness centre in Whitchurch.

Alliance Leisure have been appointed to continue the project which will be delivered under the UK Leisure Framework.

This will be supported by Pellikaan, as lead contractor, and architects Roberts Limbrick and Axiom, who will be responsible for the project management.

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council cabinet member for culture and digital, said: “I am confident that the project team, led by leisure development experts Alliance Leisure, will deliver a first-class leisure centre for Whitchurch.

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“Their combined experience and expertise will ensure we provide residents with the health and wellbeing facilities they want and need, both now and in the future.”

The council-funded venture includes a six-lane 25m pool, a 41-station fitness suite, a ground floor café, and multi-function rooms on the first floor designed for classes, clubs, and events.

Besides benefiting the local community, the centre will attract visitors from nearby areas, spurring economic growth and new opportunities for Whitchurch businesses.

Julia Goddard, senior business development manager, Alliance Leisure, added: “Working with the council and our supplier partners through the UK Leisure Framework, we will deliver an efficient leisure facility built in response to the specific needs of the community.

“An active community is a happy, prosperous community and this is exactly the outcome we intend to deliver.”

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Demolition of the existing building is set to begin before Christmas, with construction starting in early 2024.

The new centre, set to open by mid-2025, will be operated by the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust and Serco, who currently run the Shrewsbury Sports Village, The Quarry swimming and fitness centre, and Market Drayton and Oswestry Leisure Centres.

This centre replaces essential leisure facilities in Whitchurch, which has been pool-less since the local swimming pool closed due to maintenance issues during the pandemic.