Swimming pool plan approved for Birchwood Shopping Centre

PLANS for an indoor swimming pool at Warrington’s Birchwood Shopping Centre have been given the go-ahead.

The proposals involve the change of use of a former food store to provide a 20m x 7m dedicated swimming facility intended for structured swimming lessons.
There will be a viewing gallery and the pool will be surrounded by space to allow for safe access and movement around the pool perimeter.

At the entrance to the unit, there will bea  reception space, a waiting lounge, as well as three WCs, including one disabled access toilet.
There will be 12 changing facilities, including two wider cubicles for wheelchair users, along with a designated shower space.
Swimming lessons will cater for all ages and abilities and will comprise baby sessions, lane swimming and aquafit, along with crash courses, fun sessions, and SEN/physically disabled sessions. The works accompanying the remodelling of the site will also include sensory paraphernalia, such as lighting, speakers and a projector which can aid in all sessions, but especially those for SEN students.
The swimming pool will be operated by three swimming teachers, three support teachers, two lifeguards and admin staff as a maximum daily amount. This will vary during lane sessions, which may only require two lifeguards and for baby sessions and aquafit when only two lifeguards and one swim teacher will be required.

The maximum number of swimmers at one time will be 24 persons. This will be when three lessons operate at the same time with maximum of eight swimmers each. The lower ability swim classes will have a maximum of six or less.
The site will be operated on a member-only, booking system, to facilitate the planning and organisation of the lessons, which will be dependent on the user, guaranteeing the site capacity is monitored.
Car parking will be provided on the existing car park at the shopping centre.
The scheme has been approved by Warrington Borough Council planning chiefs.