BUILDING work on Luton’s new multi-million pound aquatic centre – which will be known as the Inspire Sports Village – is well into its final third stage and on schedule to open in July –- just in time for the Olympic Games
The Herald & Post was allowed onto the building site yesterday and our pictures, taken by photographer Jane Russell, give a first glimpse of how the state-of-the-art building is shaping up.
Luton Borough Council leader Hazel Simmons said: “The name Inspire was chosen because that’s what the building is about, inspiring people to get involved in sport.
“The reason for the council supporting this project is because Luton has some health inequalities and there are child obesity issues across the UK which Luton is not immune to.
“We think having a place where families can come together and enjoy sport will encourage people to get more involved in sport.”
The centre will not only feature a 50m competition standard pool and 10m diving facility, but also a dry diving facility, 400 spectator seats, a large sports hall, 100 station gym, dance and aerobics studio and spinning room.
Luton Borough Council also announced yesterday that they have teamed up with local bus provider Arriva to promote the new sports centre.
An Inspire branded double-decker bus will be in service on Luton’s 24 route to advertise the centre’s opening and Arriva plans to offer ticket deals for families to make travelling to the sports village more affordable.
The new centre is being developed by the Luton Learning and Community Partnership Ltd – an independent not-for-profit organisation jointly owned by Luton Borough Council and Wates.
> To watch Natalee Hazelwood’s video report, log onto www.lutontoday.co.uk.