Construction of Harborne Pool and Leisure Centre nearing completion

Once complete the new pool and leisure centre will provide a 25m swimming pool, fitness suite, training pool, community room and a state-of-the-art youth gym, designed specifically for children aged eight to 16 years old.

The project has seen Wates work in partnership with Birmingham City Council’s Urban Design to deliver the city’s first swimming pool in 20 years.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said “The Harborne Pool Project has been an excellent example of what can be achieved with close partnership working, especially with the programme below budget and on time.

I am confident these spectacular facilities will galvanise a whole new generation from the local community to get fit especially in the lead up to the London Olympics”. 

Construction on the new facilities began in February 2010 and has received praise from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), who hailed the project as an example of best practice when members of the organisation visited the site in April this year.

During construction, Wates also shone in an inspection from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, who identified the contractor as ‘outstanding’ in its ongoing consultation with the community. Birmingham’s school pupils also visited the site in May of this year to see the progress of their new swimming pool.

Andy Hands, Business Manager of Wates Construction in the Midlands,commented: “I am delighted to see that we are nearing completion of such an important project. This is set to become a flagship leisure centre of which Birmingham and its people can be very proud. We have maintained close consultation with both Birmingham City Council’s Urban Design team and the local community to ensure this project has remained on track, on budget and with minimal disruption.”

Birmingham City Council will be working with its partners to deliver the opening of the new centre in early January 2012.  Although the facility build has been largely completed there will be a commissioning phase undertaken including staff familiarisation and training. 

This phase will include the delivery of fitness and other key equipment and installation of the operating systems in preparation for the grand public opening.

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