Successful official launch of Stafford Leisure Centre

The official launch of Stafford Leisure Centre on Saturday 26 April was a resounding success, with the unveiling ceremony, packed programme of events and a visit from European and Commonwealth Swimming Champion Swimmer Adam Whitehead.

The Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Brian Price officially opened the £15 million state of the art leisure centre at 10am on Saturday. A packed events programme followed this, where visitors enjoyed the gymnastics and trampoline displays and the Special Olympics athletics display in the sports hall, over 300 people took part in the fun swim session throughout the day, nearly all of the free fitness sessions in the studios were full, and several people visited Bodytonic staff to get free advice on various treatments available in the beauty salon.

A highlight of the day for Apex Swimmers was the visit from European and Commonwealth Swimming Champion Adam Whitehead, who shared his experiences, training tips and swimming techniques with the youngsters, both in and out of the pool.  

Pictured above: Adam Whitehead, Sporting Champion, coaching Stafford Apex Swimming Club members.

Adam swam at 5 European Championships (gaining Gold in 1998 and Bronze in 1999 in the 200m breaststroke), 2 Commonwealth Games (winning Gold in 2002 for the 100m breaststroke, 2 silver medals and 1 bronze medal), 2 World Championships (finishing just outside the medals, in 4th in 1999) and became an Olympian in the year 2000. He represented Great Britain for 10 years and was Commonwealth Games Record holder for the men’s 100 metres Breaststroke.

The new £15 million complex boasts an impressive eight lane 25-metre swimming pool, a teaching pool with state of the art moveable floor, an Easyline gym circuit for gentle workouts housed in its own private studio, a multi-purpose fitness studio, Bodytonic beauty suite and massage, squash courts, a four-court sports hall, a training suite available for a range of courses and room hire, and a crèche facility. 

Local architects Barnett Ratcliffe Partnership were commissioned by Trent City Securities to design the £15 million Stafford Leisure Centre and Carillion plc, formerly known as Alfred McAlpine plc have been busy with the construction since November 2006.

“Carillion is a market leader in construction, especially in the leisure industry and we are proud to have been associated with the construction of this new leisure centre which provides an excellent new facility for the town. The project has been a great success all round and we have worked closely with the Borough Council and the developer Trent City Securities to ensure that the Project was delivered on time and on budget to the high specification and quality required” commented Joy Brooker, Project Manager from Carillion.

For more information on Stafford Leisure Centre visit www.staffordleisurecentre.co.uk or contact 01785 619 500.