A NEW swimming pool and leisure centre for Radcliffe will be fully open by the end of this month, it has been confirmed.

The gym, sports hall, and fitness studio at the temporary facility - on the site of Radcliffe Riverside High School in Spring Lane - will open to the public on Monday May 18, with the pool opening on Tuesday May 26.

It will replace the existing Radcliffe Pool and Fitness Centre, which suffered severe storm damage in December 2013 and will close this Saturday (May 9).

The main swimming pool at the old site in Green Street had to be closed due to the damage, and subsequent surveys revealed major structural decay in the fabric of the building which was deemed too costly to repair.

Councillor Rishi Shori, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We promised that we would create new facilities for the people of Radcliffe after the irreparable damage done to the old pool by the winter storms.

“This is a great new leisure centre which we’re sure people will make the most of, and we are still looking at long-term plans to build a brand new permanent leisure centre on the site of the old one.

“We will be holding an Open Day in early June with special offers and promotions, which we will announce nearer the time.”

The new centre will boast a 25 metre by eight metre pool, with changing facilities and a seating area for up to 40 spectators.

It will also have a sports hall and fitness studio, with gym equipment from the existing centre being relocated to the new site as part of a 48-station gym.

Visitors will be able to use the new facilities on a pay-as-you go basis or by taking out one of the Bury Leisure membership options or special offers throughout the year.

The centre will be open from 7am until 10pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 6pm at weekends.

There will be disabled parking bays in the car park, positioned close to the reception area, and the grounds will be fully accessible, including disabled changing and toilets.