Pool plans go in for warehouse at Century Way in March

A warehouse could soon become a place for people of all ages to take the plunge and learn to swim.

Fenland Swim Academy has applied for planning permission to change Unit 9, Century Way, in March into an indoor private swimming pool.

A design and access statement drawn up by Halmshaw Building Design Ltd in support of the proposal explains Fenland Swim Academy is a family-run swim school which currently runs lessons in both Wisbech and Emneth.

It had also been running lessons at the Empress Pool in Chatteris until it closed down last December due to structural issues.

Fenland Swim Academy runs swimming lessons from newborn babies to adults and covers every ability from non-swimmer to competitive athlete.

The statement says at the heart of the company are two of the most experienced teachers and coaches in the area having taught lessons for over 20 years and headed up multiple swim clubs in the area to great success.

Fenland Swim Academy has nurtured and trained many teachers over the years who have shared their passion for teaching children and adults to swim at all standards of ability.

The academy has devised its own swim programme which “engages all participants to learn to swim in a fun but safe environment with over 15 skill levels, online advice for learning outside of lessons, communication avenues between parents and teachers, and a unique awards scheme to celebrate each swimmer’s success”.

The statement argues the proposed opening of a centre in March, would allow more swimmers to gain access to “these first-class lessons, alleviate the extensive waiting list” while also allowing more teachers to be trained and ultimately providing more jobs for the local and surrounding areas.

It adds the pool will be run at a higher temperature than council-run pools and each class would be limited to four swimmers, with a maximum of two classes per session.