Future of swimming in Montrose starts to become clearer
Montrose's new swimming pool is taking shape, with the steel framework now in place.
- By Marjory Inglis
- Published in the Courier : 13.09.11
- Published online : 13.09.11 @ 03.43pm
People are getting a chance to see the true scale of what is planned for the site.
The £9 million development is on track to open next autumn, providing extensive additional facilities including a pool with a moveable floor that can raise or lower the depth of water according to the needs of groups.
Montrose councillor Mark Salmond said it was often difficult for people to visualise what a building would be like from architects' plans, but now that the steel framework had gone up they could see the scale of the new building.
He said: "It looks absolutely phenomenal. I am delighted the super-structure is now starting to take shape which allows the public to see what the finished result will look like.
"When the council did a lot of consultations with the public before the project started, it was very difficult to imagine from the plans what it would be like.
"You can see the circular section at the front that is the spiral staircase that will take you from the ground floor to the first floor where the exercise equipment will be."
Two swimming pools are now taking shape on the site — a 25-metre six lane pool and a smaller pool with a moveable floor.
"The moveable floor gives flexibility depending on the needs of the groups using it. You can raise or lower the depth of the water depending on whether you have a group of children or a group of adults using it."
The complex was designed by the council's own in-house architectural team. The main contractor is Stirling-based company Ogilvie.
The existing swimming pool on The Mall is reaching the end of its economic life and was in urgent need of replacement.
There was considerable controversy ahead of the agreement to go ahead with the new pool complex, not least because of the necessity to decant clubs, groups and individuals while work went ahead.
The development is merging the new-build pool complex with the original leisure centre on the site.
Mr Salmond said: "The new pool is for the people of Montrose now and for many generations to come. It is a legacy for the people of Angus, not for any individual."
06.02pm - 13.09.2011 Ianmc - Arbroath, Scotland Report This
Impressive. Moveable floor sounds like a good idea thus avoiding the elbow/knee bashing we find in the Arbroath pool. This sounds user friendly and maintenance free. It's great to see what the Arbroath/Carnoustie/Brechin taxpayers are paying for. As usual.
09.08am - 14.09.2011 Alexander - Montrose, Angus Report This
Ian you missed the Forfar taxpayers, course were all still payin for the dual carriageway, fancy a dook?
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