Olympic swimming medallist to bring more jobs to visitor attraction

A new swimming pool part-owned by Olympic legend Becky Adlington is set to make a splash at Xscape Yorkshire.

Around 2,000 new swimming lesson slots will be created at the state-of-the-art swim! centre.

A seven-figure sum is being invested in the site, which will create up to 20 jobs at the visitor attraction in Glasshoughton, Wakefield district.

Four-time Olympic medallist, Adlington, co-founded the business – alongside Steve Parry and Adrian Turner – which now runs in partnership with JD Gyms.

The swim! team also offer a free water safety Olympian assembly to primary schools to help educate children on the dangers like reservoirs, rivers and lakes.

Xscape Yorkshire turns 20 later this year. The centre is now almost fully let following other recent openings in the last two years, including the £2m Gravity Max E-karting experience, JD Gym, Taco Bell, Five Guys and The Escapologist.

Water is set to flow into the pool later in August ahead of an official opening in early September in time for the start of the new school year, at the unit located on the main mall near Gravity Rocks climbing.

Adlington said: “We’re on a mission to help make sure every child in the country knows how to swim.

“We estimate that currently in the UK, one in four children can’t swim by the time they go to secondary school and that’s what we want to change. It’s a life-saving skill and we believe it’s vital for children to learn as early as possible.

“As we’ve already seen by the level of pre-bookings, there’s a real need and appetite for this in Castleford and across the Wakefield district. Not only do our swimmers get a premium experience, but they come away with a skill for life.”

Jason Warren, Xscape Yorkshire general manager, said: “This is another major marquee signing for Xscape Yorkshire.

“It’s our first ever swimming pool and will not only allow thousands of children the chance to learn to swim, but perfectly complement our array of amazing activities.

“Xscape Yorkshire is flying the flag as a leading visitor destination, not just in Yorkshire, but the whole of England. swim! follows a number of high profile additions to the centre, further proof of the confidence in Xscape Yorkshire as a brand and destination.”