BBC broadcaster and Olympic medallist Steve Parry is behind a bid to convert a warehouse to a new swimming pool in Peterborough. SWIM!, a company he helped to set up, specialises in offering private swimming lessons to children ranging in age from 3-11 years old.
The company has submitted a planning application to Peterborough City Council to convert unit 19/20 on the Coningsby Business Park, Stirling Way, Peterborough from an existing warehouse to indoor swimming pool.
“It is located approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Peterborough town centre,” says a design and access statement to planners.
“The company employ some of the most experienced and respected coaches in child swimming to devise the SWIM! programme in a fun but safe environment with 8 skill levels, parent feedback time with teachers, online advice for learning outside of lessons, and an awards scheme to celebrate each child’s success.
“The company currently have a growing number of swimming pool centres operational around the country and is looking to further expand in the future.”
SWIM! says that opening a centre in Peterborough “would further strengthen the company’s portfolio and would offer a first-class children’s swimming facility in the Peterborough area.
“The existing unit was included in the overall development which has been extensively refurbished and provides high quality accommodation which is suitable for a variety of uses,” it says.
“The units benefit from dedicated parking as well as an abundance of shared parking for staff and customers, all within a secured estate”.
The company says it will be a family centred swimming and activity centre “with an overall aim and ethos to teach children the essential life skill of swimming and promote water safety”.
They have explained how the swimming pool facility would be set out including the pool and viewing area and the changing areas.
Each swimming session will be limited to a maximum of 6 children “to ensure high quality teaching and safety levels are maintained.
“The purpose-built facility is focussed on being child friendly with pool, changing area and small mezzanine viewing area”.
On their website, SWIM! Says Becky Adlington OBE, Steve Parry MBE and Adrian Turner are behind the creation of their company.
“Our Olympians, in partnership with JD Gyms are passionate about teaching children to swim,” it says.
“We are achieving this by opening state-of-the-art, family-friendly centres around the UK.”
