DC Leisure to run new Birmingham pool
by Pete Hayman | 02 Dec 2011
DC Leisure has been appointed by Birmingham City Council (BCC) to operate and manage the city's first new public swimming pool to be built for more than 20 years.
The £12.2m Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre will remain under local authority ownership, with facilities to include a 25m main pool; a learner pool; and a 60-station adult gym.
An interactive children's fitness suite and an aerobics and dance studio are also proposed as part of the facility, which is to open on 3 January and is currently £600,000 under budget.
DC Leisure signed an initial 10-year contract to operate the complex following a competitive tender process, with an option of a five-year extension subject to "satisfactory performance".
BCC cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture Martin Mullaney said: "This deal with DC Leisure means council taxpayers in Birmingham will no longer pay for the running costs of the centre.
"We're now going through a competitive tender process to build another new facility in Sparkhill - as part of a wider swimming pool strategy - underlining our ongoing commitment to community swimming across the city."
Cambridge-based architects Saunders Boston were chosen by Wates Construction to design the new Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre, which is on the former Harborne Baths site.
DC Leisure has been appointed by Birmingham City Council (BCC) to operate and manage the city's first new public swimming pool to be built for more than 20 years. The £12.2m Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre will remain under local authority ownership, with facilities to include a 25m main pool; a learner pool; and a 60-station adult gym. An interactive children's fitness suite and an aerobics and dance studio are
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