The government has approved a major expansion of the Potter’s Sports Field Redevelopment Project, replacing plans for a half Olympic-sized swimming pool with a full Olympic-standard aquatic facility designed to host regional and international competitions.
The decision was announced during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, who said Cabinet endorsed the expanded project as part of its commitment to youth development, community recreation and sporting excellence.
Merchant said the Potter’s Sports Field is already being transformed into a multi-sport complex featuring facilities for basketball, netball, volleyball, pickleball, baseball, football and cricket, along with a children’s play area.
He explained that the original plan called for the construction of a half Olympic-sized swimming pool and an instructional pool. However, Cabinet agreed that the project presented an opportunity to establish a world-class aquatic venue capable of hosting major competitions.
Under the revised plan, the facility will include a full Olympic-sized swimming pool measuring 50 metres by 25 metres, a warm-down pool, a 750-seat grandstand, changing facilities and supporting infrastructure built to international competition standards.
Merchant said the upgraded facility is expected to position Antigua and Barbuda as a venue for regional and international aquatic events, including CARIFTA swimming championships and other major meets.
Cabinet also approved the allocation of adjacent Crown lands to expand the sports complex. The additional land will accommodate the aquatic facilities, parking, pedestrian walkways, concession areas and other amenities needed to support large sporting events.
During the question-and-answer session, Merchant clarified that the government has abandoned the original plan for a half Olympic-sized pool in favour of the full Olympic-standard facility.
He also confirmed that the expansion effectively incorporates plans previously discussed for a national aquatic centre, although he noted that no funding had been diverted from another project. Instead, he said additional financing is being secured specifically for the expansion of the Potter’s Sports Field redevelopment.
The expanded project is expected to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s ability to develop competitive swimmers while attracting regional sporting events that could generate economic activity through sports tourism.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Potter's Sports Complex to Get Olympic-Size Swimming Pool.