Residents are being given their first chance to take a look at the new Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre as the centre throws its doors open for the first time this weekend (2-3 January 2010) - including the chance to win an overnight trip to London and visit the site of the 2012 Olympic stadium. The facility, formerly known as Sherwood Baths is where the double Olympic Gold medallist learned to swim and has been closed since March 2009 undergoing a £5 million redevelopment by Derby-based building firm G F Tomlinson Ltd. On Saturday 2 January, the centre will be open from 8am-5pm with the pool open for a trial public swim session in the newly-extended six lane 25m pool (previously four lanes) from 8am-10am. From 8am-4pm, swimming instructors will be on hand offering consultation sessions for people who are keen to learn to swim. As part of this, they will be given a chance to have an assessment in the water to make sure they are in the correct stream of swimming lessons – so bring a swimming costume along! On Sunday 3 January, the centre will open from 9am-5pm with the pool open for public swimming from 9am-11am, with swimming clubs being given the opportunity to try out the new pool from 11am onwards. On both days the new first-floor gym will be open throughout with potential users being given the opportunity to try out the new 44 station gym with cardio-vascular and strength equipment. Free weights will also be available. The Sherwood Room will be open with a LED activity wall and dance mats on offer. All of these activities are free during the open weekend. Users will also be able to see the host of other new features on offer at the centre, which include: A refurbishment of the current pool hall, including opening up of the roof to its original 1934 appearance; Demolition of the former gym, administration block and changing facilities; Construction of a new two storey block incorporating improved disabled access, with specific poolside changing for those with very specific needs; A new public changing village; Specific school and club changing rooms; A passenger lift to the first floor with access to the newly-enlarged fitness suite and multi-purpose/activity room; New reception and office accommodation; Increased parking capacity; An elite athlete endless pool training tank; Refurbishment of the existing training pool. The centre opens to the public on Monday 4 January 2010 with an official opening event to follow in February. Councillor Eddie Smith, Portfolio for the Environment commented: "The new Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre really does push all the right buttons, the pool has been extended, the gym facilities are second to none, there is a state of the art endless training pool and the decor is absolutely stunning. "It is also the first facility in our area to GO GREEN, with the introduction of a ground source heat pump and biomass boiler which will save more than 520 tonnes of CO2 per year. "I'm sure that users new and old will be delighted with the new facility and I hope they will come along and see for themselves the full extent of the improvements we have made." This January, visitors to the newly redeveloped Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre will have the opportunity to win a weekend break for two in London, including a tour of the 2012 London Olympic Stadium development. The competition has been kindly sponsored by the Holiday Inn, who have kindly donated the hotel accommodation on a Friday and Saturday night, breakfast is included. The prize draw is open to users of the centre, who are residents of Mansfield, except employees of Mansfield District Council, during the month of January 2010. There is no purchase necessary, all you have to do is fill in an entry form and hand it to a member of staff at the Centre. | 