Tipton swimming pool project taking shape
The £8 million state-of-the-art Tipton swimming pool is taking shape, as this latest picture shows. The outline of its striking triangular roof is clear just months into the start of the project.
The new facility is being built on land at the corner of Alexandra Road and Thursfield Road. It will eventually include a 25-metre six-lane main swimming pool, learner pool, gym, changing facilities, dance studio and community space, as well as a landscaped urban piazza and create up to 21 jobs.
Welcoming progress on the project today, Councillor Ian Jones, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: "Work is progressing well on the centre which is due to open in spring 2013.
"The main pool and learner pool have now been built and are currently being tested.
"Work is nearing completion on the superstructure of the building which is to be made weather-tight in October 2012.
"Once this is complete, work will start in earnest on the internal finishes of the building which includes a 50-station gym and a dance studio." Contractor Willmott Dixon is building the new pool. It will replace the old baths facility, in Queens Road, in the town and create 10 full and 11 part-time jobs.
Excitement is building across the town ahead of the completion of the development.
Mother-of-four Karen Simms, who sits on the Tipton Carnival organising committee and was named Tiptonian of the year in November, said she was really looking forward to the scheme.
"For me it's just five minutes away and I think it will really boost the area," said the 45-year-old Alexandra Road resident.
"It's in a central location near to a number of primary schools – Joseph Turner, Summerhill and St Paul's - so I think it will be well used.
"They've spent a lot of time and effort on it so I'd like to think it will be to everyone's satisfaction."
The pool development in Tipton is one of a number of similar schemes being developed in the borough.
