300 swimmers compete in major gala at Perdiswell Pool

Worcester’s Perdiswell Leisure Centre has hosted its first major swimming gala in its eight-lane, 25-metre competition standard pool.

The venue, which is operated by Freedom Leisure on behalf of the City Council, hosted Worcester Swimming Club’s Autumn Open Meet at the weekend (7 – 8 October) – a competition open to swimmers aged from nine upwards from clubs across the Midlands region.

Over 300 swimmers participated representing clubs from Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Halesowen, Bromsgrove amongst others.  Approximately 250 spectators cheered them on.

The Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Steve Mackay, awarded medals and certificates to the winners.

“Worcester City Council opted to build an eight-lane swimming pool so that it would be possible to hold regional swimming competitions of this nature,” he said.

“It is therefore fantastic to see the pool being used for this purpose, and I am sure that it will be the first of many major swimming galas hosted at Perdiswell.”

Perdiswell Leisure Centre re-opened to the public in January 2017 following a £10.5 million revamp by the City Council, as part of its ambition for Worcester to be a healthy and active city.  The Council received a £2m contribution from Sport England towards the development costs.

3,581 people have now signed up for membership at Perdiswell Leisure Centre – an increase from 1,962 members in January 2017.

1,649 children are currently attending swimming lessons at Perdiswell Leisure Centre on a regular basis.

The main eight-lane main pool at Perdiswell Leisure Centre measures 25 metres by 17 metres and boasts poolside seating for 284 spectators with a further 118 seats around the poolside for swimmers.

The Perdiswell pool hall also boasts an 18x10 metre teaching pool with a movable floor – a fantastic new facility for learners and other swimmers.

For further details about Perdiswell Leisure Centre, including pool opening times, go to www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/perdiswell-leisure-centre/