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Swim for a Shilling at Durham’s Multi Million Pounds State of the Art Pool
Tuesday 17th June 2008
The countdown is on. It’s only a month now until the public can see and enjoy the £12.3m Freeman’s Quay for themselves and, to celebrate the opening, everyone is invited to swim for a shilling! But don’t panic if you haven’t got a shilling all we’re asking is the modern equivalent of 5p!
What's more the 5p swim offer will last for a whole week so don't miss your chance to make a splash at the nation's newest leisure complex.
Why? Well a shilling is the how much it cost to swim when The City Baths and Washhouses opened in September 1932.
Nigel Dodds is the City of Durham's Leisure Services Manager, 'It's not often you get the chance to pay the same price as people did 76 years ago. This is a great opportunity to come and see a fantastic facility and swim for a shilling at the same time.'
Freeman's Quay is being handed over on time and on budget to the City and is alive with breath taking works of public art and amazing energy saving features that make it truly state of the art.
The architect is Andrew Bottomly from William Saunders
Partnership, 'the centre has been designed to maximise
natural light and incorporates some of the most advanced
building techniques and materials to achieve this.
Insulation levels are way more than required and heat
recovery is being used to warm the pool water, reducing
costs. The pool water will then be used to flush the
toilets, reducing water usage.'
The 8 lane, 25m, main pool has a fully floating floor as
does the learner pool. The floors can be raised or lowed
to accommodate all levels of ability and activity. There
is a sports hall, dance studio, fitness centre and
healthy eating court, even an internet café area. The
whole facility is designed to be accessible to all.
Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture Coun. Sue Pitts,
'The decision to build a new leisure centre has been a
priority for Durham City. I am delighted and proud that
we are delivering on our promise in such a spectacular
way.'
For Council Executive Director David Marrs it's been a labour of love, 'Freeman's Quay is bringing the people of Durham and visitors to the City the best that money can buy. So many people have gone the extra mile to ensure everything about it is special. I couldn't be more pleased with the results.'
The swim for a shilling week will follow the public launch on July 18th. During that a host of Durham swimmers, divers and water polo players, past and present, will take to the water and so become the first people to swim at Freeman's Quay.