Conference and meetings delegates visiting the University of Leeds will soon be able to take advantage of a state-of-the art swimming pool and 200-station gym currently being built on the campus.

The 25m, eight-lane pool will be the centrepiece of the University’s new £12.2m swimming pool and fitness complex which will be one of the largest of any UK university and is expected to be open to visitors by summer 2010.

Head of sales and marketing for the University’s conference facilities, Richard Handscombe said: “The new sports facilities are going to be fabulous, probably the best of any university in the country and certainly up there with the top private gyms. We’re delighted that we’re going to be able offer our delegates the opportunity to use these fantastic facilities.

“Conferences and meetings are by their very nature quite sedentary so what better way to boost your energy levels by pumping weights or taking to the exercise bike or running machine after a long session. And for those wanting to relax, there’s the opportunity to have a swim, a sauna or a steam.”

State-of-the-art facilities include a partially moveable floor to create depths of up to 2m, providing a facility for casual swimmers as well as for water-based sports such as water polo, canoe polo and sub-aqua.

Delegates could even join in with the many classes ranging from spinning and step to yoga and Pilates.

“We’re already starting to get interest from people booking conferences for next year,” said Richard. “The excellent facilities we’re going to able to offer delegates are seen as a real added value extra by conference organisers.”

For further information, please call Rebecca Douglas or Claire Bancroft on 0113 268 5000 or email claire.bancroft@mcgpr.co.uk