British Swimming has announced five sites which will form a new network of Intensive Training Centres (ITC).

A nationwide network has been setup to provide a world-class training environment for the development of British swimming in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics.

The national governing body will operate ITCs at key 50m pool and training facilities at Stirling, Stockport, the University of Bath, and the Wales National Pool in Swansea. The fifth ITC at Loughborough University will also be incorporated into the network, which is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

The ITC network, combined with improved support for club programmes, is intended to aid long-term, sustainable success for British swimming at international level. It is seen as a major part of a strategic plan for the sport from 2009, which has been developed by British Swimming's national performance director, Michael Scott.

"Creating a world-class daily training environment is an essential part of our overall strategy towards realising our long-term performance goals," said Scott. "This will enable us to further challenge for more future Olympic success.

"The aim is to provide everything swimmers need in their development from the right amount of 50m pool time to sports science support."

A total of 10 bids were received by British Swimming following the launch of the initiative in February, with six short-listed before the final five were selected.

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