Pool making a big splash

More than 500,000 people used Wolverhampton's new £12 million pool in its first year, figures revealed today.

The centre at Bentley Bridge, Wednesfield, which is celebrating its first birthday today, has proved a hit since opening its doors last December.

A target of 400,000 visitors in the first year was set but, with between 45,000 and 50,000 people now using the facility each month, that figure has been smashed.

Delighted bosses say the success of the centre, near the now abandoned Healthland leisure centre, has exceeded everyone's expectations.

People can use the pool on a pay-as-you-visit basis, although it has a membership scheme for its gym facilities.

The centre, which replaced Bushbury Pool and Heathtown Leisure Centre, opened its doors to non-members at the weekend, offering the chance to try out equipment and fitness sessions.

Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said that key successes included more than 1,000 people on the learn-to-swim scheme, fitness membership at over 4,000 regular users, increased leisure participation across the city as a whole and the rejuvenation of Heath Town Swimming Club which now has 200 members.

He added: "This new facility replaced two ageing centres that had a combined annual usage in the region of 65,000 per year. The projected usage for the new centre will exceed 500,000 per year which has surpassed all our expectations.

"It's a reflection of the centre's extensive programme which offers a wide choice of activities, whatever people's ability."

General Manager Damian Watts said that feedback revealed that customers were pleased not to have to travel outside the city for a leisure swim.

"Nobody could have predicted just how successful the centre would be in its first year,"he added.

The centre has a six-lane, 25m pool, plus a leisure baths with flume and wave machine and a separate teaching pool.