National accolade for Barnstaple’s Tarka Leisure Centre

The pool facilities at Tarka Leisure Centre in Barnstaple have been recognised with a national award.

The centre was a winner at the UK Pool and Spa Awards 2023 in the Commercial Pool Project Of The Year category.

The leisure centre at Seven Brethren was also shortlisted for the Outstanding Technical Design award, while the leisure centre's operator, Lex Leisure, was shortlisted in the Operator of the Year category.

The UK Pool and Spa Awards ceremony was held in Birmingham on December 7.

Tarka Leisure Centre opened in June 2022, with pool facilities including a 25 metre eight-lane competition swimming pool and a 20m four-lane learner pool.

Away from the pool there is a sports hall with four badminton courts, a large gym, multi-purpose exercise studios and Devon's first endless ski slope. The £15million centre was built by Speller Metcalfe

Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor Ian Roome, hailed the award: “We are thrilled that Tarka Leisure Centre and its excellent facilities has been recognised at a national level with this award. 

“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our contractors and staff who worked tirelessly to bring the centre to life, and to the staff at the leisure centre who ensure the public can enjoy the facilities every day.

“We are proud to have a leisure centre that is not only a great place to exercise, but also a beautiful and welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities.”

Founded in 2010, the UK Pool and Spa Awards is a competition open to all companies involved in the delivery of water leisure, regardless of trade association affiliation.

The competition aims to raise the profile for individual pool and spa businesses and the industry as a whole. Categories cover wet leisure manufacturers, pool and spa wholesalers, retailers, leisure operators across residential and commercial swimming pools, hot tub and swim spas, wellness and other accessories.

For more information about swimming classes, timetables and membership, visit the Tarka Leisure Centre website.