Whitchurch Swimming and Fitness Centre named Water Leisure Venue of the Year

Whitchurch's new pool has made a splash on the national stage in its very first year. Whitchurch Swimming and Fitness Centre has been named Water Leisure Venue of the Year at the 2025 UK Pool and Spa Awards.

The awards celebrate innovation, customer experience and excellence across the UK aquatics sector. The centre reached the final of its category in the autumn, and the winners were announced at a ceremony at Birmingham's National Conference Centre.

The £14 million facility opened in Whitchurch town centre on 19 March 2025, completed on budget and ahead of schedule. It took just 12 months from the demolition of the previous centre to the grand opening.

Inside there is a six-lane, 25 metre community pool with a moveable floor and built-in retractable steps to support swimmers with physical disabilities or low confidence. There are also accessible changing rooms, a 41-station fitness suite and multi-function rooms.

Inclusive sessions such as Aquafit and Good Boost are regularly full, and by January 2026 the centre had welcomed more than 90,000 visitors. When it opened, Shropshire Council said the centre would create 25 jobs and give five local primary schools a place for swimming lessons.

"Winning this award in our first year of operation shows the hard work and dedication the whole team have been putting in," said Rhys Collins, partnership manager for Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, which runs the centre in partnership with Serco Leisure on behalf of Shropshire Council. "Thank you to everyone who works at Whitchurch Swimming and Fitness Centre, supporting customers week in and week out to lead more active, healthier lives."

Councillor James Owen, Shropshire Council's portfolio holder for housing and leisure, said it was fantastic to see the centre recognised nationally for its contribution to community wellbeing.

There was a double celebration, as operating partner Serco Leisure was named Water Leisure Operator of the Year for the seventh time in eight years.

For swimming timetables, classes and memberships, contact Whitchurch Swimming and Fitness Centre in the town centre.