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Portsmouth Olympic pool plans approved
Portsmouth City councillors have approved plans to invest around £20m in Mountbatten Sports Centre to create a 50m, Olympic swimming pool.
The eight-lane pool will be the centrepiece of a major renovation programme, due for completion by 2009, which includes the overhaul of the cycle track, athletics track and indoor sports hall, and the construction of a 150-station fitness suite.
The council intends to recruit a private sector operator to run the facility, which is being part funded by Sport England (£5.49m). Additional funds will come from the sale of two existing facilities – the Victoria Swimming Baths and the Hilsea Lido.
Barbara Thompson, strategic director for economy, culture and community safety, called the facility “a fantastic opportunity for the city”.