Ollerton’s new state-of-the-art swimming pool is set to welcome users for the first time next month.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has announced that the new five-lane pool at the Dukeries Leisure Centre will open at the end of June.

In addition to the existing fitness suite, sports hall and exercise studios, visitors will benefit from a fully accessible, 20 by 10 metre swimming pool with its own unisex changing village and spectator area.

The pool tank, glazing, plant and mechanical equipment are now fully installed and over the coming weeks, electrical testing, tiling and final decoration will take place prior to the pool being filled with water.

The pool has adjoined the existing centre building – which is run by the District Council’s own leisure company, Active4Today. Once complete, Dukeries members will access the centre via a new and more accessible entrance, which has been built between the original building and the new extension.

A new unisex dryside changing village has also been installed in the existing leisure centre building as part of the development, which is set to open during June. Additional parking spaces have also been added to ensure there is adequate space for all members and users.

Coun Roger Jackson (pictured), chairman of Newark and Sherwood’s Leisure and Environment Committee, said: “We are extremely proud and excited to announce that the new pool will open next month. We are looking forward to welcoming local residents to this brand new facility, giving children the opportunity to learn how to swim and be safe in water, as well as families and keen swimmers looking to keep active.

“Leisure centres across the country are recovering from months of closure and despite a challenging year, we have forged ahead with the construction work to improve the health and well-being of everyone in the area, both now and into the future.

“Ollerton and Boughton is the largest population centre in Sherwood and the previous leisure facilities simply would not accommodate the needs of the growing number of inhabitants. Our residents deserve and need a top class leisure facility and I’m thrilled we’re just weeks away from opening.”

Andy Carolan, managing director of Active4Today, said: “I am really excited that there will shortly be a swimming provision back in Ollerton for the local community to enjoy. This is a significant resource for the community and will benefit both young and old. We are hoping that the new pool will also meet the needs of the local schools and they too can return to using local facilities for their curriculum use.

“For members of Active4Today, this is a superb addition to their membership and we look forward to welcoming new members to the facility, to enjoy this fantastic new addition to the already excellent offer.”

Adrian Turner, director of ReCreation – one of the project partners, said: “As part of our mission to break down barriers for children to reach their true potential, we are so proud to offer this quality, bespoke, affordable leisure facility in partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council. It’s been fantastic to see this project come to life and as we count down the days until we open our doors to the local community next month, we’re sure this facility will be enjoyed for years to come.”

Up until July 2017, Ollerton residents were able to use the adjacent Dukeries Academy School for swimming before the pool was deemed no longer fit-for-purpose by the Trust which runs the academy. Since then, wetside facilities were provided at other sites including South Forest Leisure Centre in Edwinstowe, as well as Wellow House School.

To ensure that local residents were provided a long-term solution that can be enjoyed for generations; the District Council submitted a planning application for the new pool in October 2019 as part of a major investment programme in leisure facilities across the district.

The pool project has received great support from Sport England, which has committed a capital grant of £250,000 from its Community Asset Fund which is dedicated to enhancing the spaces in local communities that give people the chance to be active.