A Coventry youngster has dived-in to help complete the tiling of a new swimming pool set to make a splash in the city later this year.
Amaan Ali from Edgewick Primary School in Foleshill, Coventry,was invited to install the final tile at a new 25 metre swimming pool which is being built at Centre AT7 on Bell Green Road.
The 11-year-old was able to sign the front of the tile before it was fitted to the bottom of the pool and he has also been invited to take part in a six-week children’s coaching course as well as receiving a free family swim pass.
The leisure centre is currently undergoing a major redevelopment project to extendits facilities with the work set to be completed in August.
The £7.5 million building extension includes a new 25 metre swimming pool, a splash pool with water features and racing slides, along with a health suite featuring a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
Modifications will also be made to the existing building, managed by Coventry Sports Foundation and owned by Coventry and Warwickshire Award Trust, to create function/meeting rooms and offices while a new 216-space car park has already been built at the site offering visitors free parking.
Construction company Willmott Dixon has been appointed as the contractor for the project and they have been carrying out work on the site since June 2013.
Paul Breed is chief executive of Coventry Sports Foundation, which manages Centre AT7 along with the Xcel Leisure Centre, in Canley, and the Alan Higgs Centre, in Allard Way.
He said: “It was great for us to be able to invite a youngster from the heart of the community to help us mark this latest milestone.
“Pupils from Edgewick Primary School regularly take part in sporting activities atCentre AT7 and we hope Amaan and his family will enjoy taking advantage of the new facilities”
He added: “The upgrades will not only help to provide fantastic new sports facilities but will also boost opportunities available to individuals and families living in the North-East of Coventry.
“The upgrades are part of a 10-year sports strategy in the city, part of which identifies the need to provide modern, accessible and high-quality sports facilities.”
He added: “The combination of having a 25 metre swimming pool along with a splash pool and racing slides is also a great advantage with the facilities accommodating both serious swimmers as well as families with youngsters looking to have a fun and enjoyable swimming experience.”
Matthew Raybould, operations director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re really pleased with how the Centre AT7 project is progressing, with the laying of the final tile representing another significant milestone in the build programme.
“Willmott Dixon has considerable experience in the leisure sector having built a number of leisure and sports centres across the UK. Centre AT7 will be a fantastic addition to our growing project portfolio.”