The government has approved a significant upgrade to the Potter's Sports Field Redevelopment Project, replacing an earlier plan for a half Olympic-sized swimming pool with a full Olympic-standard aquatic facility capable of hosting regional and international competitions.
According to Antigua News Room, the decision was announced at 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 noted that Potter's Sports Field is already being transformed into a multi-sport complex featuring facilities for basketball, netball, volleyball, pickleball, baseball, football and cricket, as well as a children's play area.
The original plan had called for a half Olympic-sized swimming pool and an instructional pool. Cabinet, however, determined that the project represented an opportunity to establish a world-class aquatic venue capable of attracting 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 all built to international competition standards.
Merchant said the upgraded facility is expected to position Antigua and Barbuda as a host 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 accommodate the expanded complex. The additional land will provide space for the aquatic facilities, parking, pedestrian walkways, concession areas and other amenities required to support large-scale sporting events.
During the question-and-answer session following the briefing, Merchant confirmed that the government has abandoned the original half Olympic-sized pool concept entirely in favour of the full Olympic-standard facility.
He also confirmed that the expansion effectively incorporates plans previously discussed for a national aquatic centre. Merchant was careful to note that no funding had been redirected from another project, stating that additional financing is being secured specifically for the Potter's Sports Field expansion.
The upgraded project is expected to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's capacity to develop competitive swimmers while attracting regional sporting events that could generate broader economic activity through sports tourism.
