Leisure
The £10m development includes a 25m six-lane swimming pool and a separate teaching pool
LESSONS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY In 2016, FT Leisure was formally appointed as UK distributor for Myrtha Pools in the UK. Myrtha is a world-renowned manufacturer of prefabricated modular stainless steel pool tank and pool ancillaries, with over 22,000 references worldwide. The public swimming pool specialist is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious aquatic centres, for international events such as the Beijing Olympics, London Olympics and the current Rio Olympics.
FT Leisure was responsible for the design, supply and installation of the water treatment and filtration systems, the Myrtha pool tanks and associated balance tanks and disabled access hoists
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Project: Horwich Leisure Centre Location: Horwich Architect: GT3 Architects Construction and property services company: Willmott Dixon Construction Swimming pool engineer: FT Leisure
50 years’ history W ithandover product development, FT Leisure had a lot to learn to be able to partner with Myrtha. FT immediately had training at the Myrtha Pool Academy to learn how to build Myrtha’s products, but more importantly, how to meet the company’s quality expectations. With the support of Myrtha’s export department, FT Leisure has started to market the pool tank solution, to complement its existing broad range of swimming pool products and services. Simon Whittingham, Managing Director at FT Leisure, said: “The Horwich Leisure Centre was our first Myrtha pool installation in a public facility, for a valuable client, Willmott Dixon Construction. We had to get it right. There were a few lessons learned along the way, mainly related to the site and building design, but these were handled with a collaborative project team and resulted in a very successful project.” The new Horwich Leisure Centre is now open. The £10m development includes a 25m six-lane swimming pool, a separate teaching pool, a 100-station fitness suite, spin and dance studios, a four-court sports hall, changing facilities and a new car park.