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New sports complex is close to completion
The main pool of Montroses new sports complex. Gable End Photography
THE FINAL fit-out of Montrose’s new £9 million sports complex is now under way ahead of its opening later this month.
Featuring two new swimming pools, a top-class fitness suite and sauna and steam room, the new facility also includes existing features of the old sports centre including the games hall, multi-purpose rooms and squash courts which have all been renovated to the highest standard.
The Review was invited to tour the new complex this week before it opens to allow existing members and prospective members a preview of what it has to offer.
Its main pool measures 25 metres by 13 metres while the second studio pool, which boasts an adjustable floor, measures 13 metres by seven metres. While the larger pool will be used for general swimming sessions and competitions, the two-metre deep studio pool can be used for many other activities such as children’s swimming lessons and aqua aerobics classes for which the floor can be adjusted accordingly. Both pools have also been equipped with electric hoists to aid disabled access.
The sauna and steam room, both of which feature fibre optic and LED mood lighting, are located off the poolside under the 120-seat viewing gallery with their own shower and relaxation area. The spacious unisex “changing village”, which has underfloor heating, provides individual cubicles and lockers, fully equipped disabled changing rooms and vanity area.
Angus Council architect Dave Smith said accessibility for all users was one of the main project briefs along with energy efficiency and sustainability which have been considered at every level of the design and construction process.
He said: “With the studio pool’s adjustable floor the range of uses could be huge, whether it’s for aqua aerobics or cool downs at swimming events, and it can be adjusted in a matter of minutes to different heights for swimming lessons or for mother and toddler groups. It can also be brought right up to floor level to double as a pool cover.
“The main pool has six lanes, diving blocks and turning boards along with a new timing system so it can accommodate competitions and the two pools are separated by a screen to create two different environments.”
The main pool area has also been triple glazed with solar reflective glass to help heat retention and reduce glare.
Upstairs, the fitness suite has been doubled in size to that of the old centre and features the latest equipment with personal viewing screens and MP3 player docking stations as well as a separate consulting room.
Mr Smith added: “We’ve retained the main hall from the existing building but it hasn’t been left untouched and now has a new cushioned sports floor and been repainted. There’s also a new general purpose room and two new studios and everything has been upgraded at the same time to minimise any future maintenance closures. It really is a high quality facility.”
New and potential members will have an opportunity to view the centre for themselves this weekend and next weekend, November 10 and 11, and the complex will open to the general public on Saturday, November 17.
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Weather for Montrose
Tuesday 21 May 2013
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