£1m+ Becky Adlington swim centre to create up to 50 jobs as first Northern Ireland site announced for Co Antrim

Viewing Gallery at Swim! Newtownabbey

Olympic swimming legend Becky Adlington is bringing her fast-growing children’s swim brand to Northern Ireland for the first time, with a £1 million-plus investment set to create up to 50 jobs in County Antrim.

The four-time Olympic medallist and television presenter has confirmed plans for a purpose-built children’s swim centre in Newtownabbey, with construction expected to begin next month ahead of an autumn opening.

The new facility, known as Swim! Newtownabbeym, will occupy the former DW Sports Fitness building at Longwood Retail Park, off the Shore Road, placing it within easy reach of families across Newtownabbey, Antrim, Ballyclare, Carrickfergus and the wider Greater Belfast area.

The investment marks a significant expansion for the Olympic-founded business and will establish the company’s first dedicated centre anywhere in Northern Ireland.

First Northern Ireland site for growing Olympic-founded brand

Founded by Olympic champion Becky Adlington OBE and fellow Olympian Steve Parry, Swim! was created after the pair identified a shortage of high-quality swimming lesson provision for children in towns and communities across the UK.

The Newtownabbey development will become the company’s 17th purpose-built venue nationwide.

Alongside its growing network of dedicated centres, Swim! already delivers lessons in more than 30 schools, colleges and community venues throughout the UK.

The company says the new centre has been specifically designed around the needs of young swimmers and their families rather than adapting existing leisure facilities.

Purpose-built for children and families

Swimming Pool at Swim! Newtownabbey

The new venue will feature a child-friendly swimming pool heated to 31 degrees Celsius, creating a warmer and more comfortable environment for younger children and babies learning to swim.

Families will also benefit from an air-conditioned viewing gallery, spacious changing facilities and extensive free parking at the retail park location.

Lessons will be available seven days a week and will cater for children aged three to 11 years across all abilities, from complete beginners to more experienced young swimmers.

The centre will also offer lessons for babies and toddlers aged from birth to three years, allowing children to begin their swimming journey from an early age.

Up to 50 new jobs expected

Beyond increasing access to swimming lessons locally, the development is expected to deliver an economic boost to the area through the creation of up to 50 jobs.

The roles are expected to include management positions, operational staff and swimming instructors as the business establishes its Northern Ireland operation.

The arrival of the new centre also represents a substantial investment in the local leisure sector, with development costs exceeding £1 million.

Opening comes amid growing profile of Northern Ireland swimming

Changing Rooms at Swim! Newtownabbey

The announcement arrives at a particularly exciting time for swimming in Northern Ireland.

Local stars including Daniel Wiffen, Danielle Hill and Conor Ferguson have all been selected to represent Team NI at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Alongside Olympic champion Jack McMillan and an emerging generation of talented athletes, their recent successes have helped raise the profile of the sport across the region and inspired more young people to consider taking up swimming.

Swim! says the Newtownabbey venue aims to build on that momentum by helping local children develop confidence in the water, vital life-saving skills and a lifelong enjoyment of swimming.

Becky Adlington: “Access to swimming lessons is an absolute priority”

Speaking about the new development, Becky Adlington said:

“Ensuring as many children as possible have access to swimming lessons is an absolute priority of mine, and I’m really excited to see planning granted for our Newtownabbey site.

“We’ll be offering much-needed learn-to-swim opportunities to children across Newtownabbey, Antrim and beyond.

“We’re confident our lessons will be the best in the Antrim area, and we can’t wait to welcome families on their swimming journey with us.”

Pre-registration offer launched ahead of opening

Parents interested in securing a place ahead of the autumn opening can now register their interest online.

Families who pre-register will be able to secure their child’s first month of swimming lessons for £10 as part of a limited pre-opening offer.

The company says spaces are limited and that pre-registration is essential for families hoping to take advantage of the introductory promotion.

With work due to begin within weeks, the arrival of Swim! Newtownabbey will bring one of Britain’s best-known Olympic names to Northern Ireland and could mark the beginning of a major expansion of specialist children’s swimming provision across the region.