New swimming facilities are expected to be open by May 2010 in West Dorset, Dorchester, as part of a £7m development, which will replace the district’s current dual-use leisure centre at Thomas Hardye School. The new complex will be built adjacent to the town’s current Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre.

West Dorset District Council, which manages the current leisure centre in conjunction with Dorset County Council, the school and SportEngland, identified the need for better swimming facilities in Dorchester as part of its sports strategy, which runs until 2010.

The new complex will boast a 25m, six-lane pool with increased public access and spectator seating, as well as a learner pool and fitness suite.

The development will be funded by the school, Dorset County Council -– which has contributed £1.5m towards capital costs and a further £150,000 a year for operational expenses – and the Duchy of Cornwall, as part of a section 106 agreement. West Dorset District Council will contribute £4.5m for new facilities.

The council also considered a site in Poundbury before selecting Dorchester, however, after a two-year review and advice from DC Leisure Management, both councils concluded that a dual-use centre in Dorchester would be best suited to the local community and students. Plans for the £5m Poundbury Leisure Centre, which was due to open in 2009/10 are now under review.

A spokesperson for the district council said a project manager will be appointed within six months, and a planning application will follow shortly after this. The facilities at the Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre will remain open until the new complex is complete, it could then be demolished to make way for new classrooms.