Oswestry Leisure Centre is open for business

Monday 3rd October 2011, 2:42PM BST.

The new Oswestry Leisure Centre

Oswestry’s new leisure centre was given a huge seal of approval by hundreds of people who turned out for its official opening at the weekend.

The multi-million pound centre, off Shrewsbury Road, was praised by customers, staff, sports clubs and Paralympic basketball player Mark Fosbrook.

Mr Fosbrook, from Oswestry, helped Shropshire Council leader Keith Barrow open the centre on Saturday. He revealed he would be using a court as part of his training for the Paralympic Games.

“The centre looks great and I have already had a good workout,” he said.

Helene Cook, of Border Gymnasts which gave demonstrations to visitors on Saturday, said: “The centre has a nice vibe to it.”

The new building has replaced Oswestry’s ageing leisure centre in nearby College Road, opened 35 years ago by Princess Anne.

It was expected to last about 25 years but has limped on, overcoming problems with the heating and tiles lifting from the swimming pools, until a new centre could be built.

Staff at the centre worked long hours moving equipment into the new building.

Sian Roberts, senior duty manager at the leisure centre, said: “The staff were absolutely brilliant. Everyone pulled together and worked far and beyond the call of duty. We all need to recharge out batteries now.”

The new centre includes two swimming pools, indoor sports halls and a gym.

By Sue Austin

View more: Oswestry Leisure Centre news.

1
john williams

October 3, 2011 at 15:05

Nice shiney new leisure centre at mega expense, which provides less facilities than the one it replaces!!

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2
let me have my say

October 3, 2011 at 17:53

No Squash Courts, No Cafe and so much over spend, I think the public demand to know why such a big overpend and why, then sack the person who was overseeing it.

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