A national swimming body has thrown its support behind St Sidwell’s Point, Exeter’s landmark leisure complex.

Constructed on the site of the current bus station, the leisure complex will boast a 20-metre teaching pool, a confidence pool and an eight-lane 25-metre pool with room for up to 250 spectators. It will be located at the heart of the new St Sidwell’s Quarter.

The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) – the English national governing body for swimming, diving, water polo, open water and synchronised swimming – has backed the St Sidwell’s Point development.

The ASA Chief Executive, Adam Paker said: “This is a really exciting project, not just for the people of Exeter and visitors to the city, who will be able to enjoy these fantastic new facilities, but also in terms of the innovative approach to reducing energy demand.”

The St Sidwell’s Point complex will be the first in the UK built to rigourous Passivhaus standards, meaning a saving of around 70% on energy costs compared to similar sized leisure developments.

Adam added: “The quality of facilities has a huge impact on encouraging people to go swimming and enjoy the water, and this development will undoubtedly help to drive up standards across the rest of the country.”

He praised the plans for teaching areas in addition to competition and recreation spaces within the St Sidwell’s Point development.

“It is essential that new swimming facilities and pool programmes cater for the needs of the entire community, which is why it is great to see plans that include teaching areas as well as recreation and competitive training spaces.”

In addition, Alex Blackwell, Head of Vocational Qualifications at the Royal Life Saving Society UK said: “We wholeheartedly support the building of local swimming pools to allow access to a safe swimming environment, such as St Sidwell’s Point, with qualified lifeguards.”

He went on to emphasise the importance of water safety and swimming lessons: “More opportunities for people to swim and learn the importance of water safety and access to lessons is really important,” said Alex.

St Sidwell’s Point, named after Exeter’s local saint, will be in the heart of the new St Sidwell’s quarter. The complex is due for completion in 2019.  A new video is available to view at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E1uHozP0o4

 

For more information contact Steve Upsher, Communications Officer at Exeter City Council, on 01392 265103 or email [email protected]