Opening date revealed for £42m leisure complex

Derby City Council has announced an opening date for the brand-new £42 million Moorways Sports Village.

The venue will open to the public on Saturday 21 May with a grand opening weekend – in time for the half term holidays.

Visitors will be able to try out the flumes and water slides in the Water Park, splash out in the 50-metre pool, and enjoy all the centre’s new facilities like the children’s soft play areas.

Construction partner Bowmer + Kirkland worked with the city council to ensure the complex was delivered on time and on budget.

The council has appointed Everyone Active, a leading UK leisure operator, as its partner to manage the iconic facility and the adjacent Moorways Stadium.

On Monday 16 May the council will officially hand over the keys to Moorways Sports Village to Everyone Active.

And in the week leading up to the grand opening weekend, the sports village will start welcoming pre-invited schools, community groups and swimming clubs to try out the swimming pool and selected other activities.

Claire Davenport, the city council’s director of leisure, culture and tourism, said: “This has been a very exciting project to bring state-of-the-art leisure facilities to the city, and we’re thrilled that the wait is almost over and the people of Derby and beyond will get the chance to enjoy them.

“The high standard of facilities and flexible swimming space at Moorways will accommodate competitions, clubs, lessons and leisure swimmers.

“We are delighted to have Derby’s first Water Park to draw in visitors to have fun from across the region. The café and soft play areas will enable families to make the most of their time here.

“Having Moorways Stadium next door, with its outdoor track capable of hosting national competitions, alongside outdoor pitches, we have created a real sports village.

“We are pleased to have Everyone Active on board as our leisure operating partner, who specialise in encouraging communities to be active, maximising the opportunities these fantastic facilities provide.”