British Swimming is entering final negotiations with shortlisted candidates seeking to become part of a nationwide network of Intensive Training Centres (ITC) designed to provide a world-class daily training environment for swimmer development.

The national governing body received 10 bids in response to an invitation to tender and after a comparative evaluation, interviewed nine candidates over a two-week period. This involved site visits to all of the 50m facilities and meetings with those involved in each tender.

British Swimming was impressed with the quality and competitive responses received from the candidates and six have now been short-listed for the final round of selection.

The shortlisted candidates are: Stirling, Liverpool, Loughborough, Swansea, Bath and Stockport.

The ITC network, combined with improved support to club programmes, is the focus of a strategy to build a system in Britain that will lead to long-term sustainable success for the sport in the international arena. British Swimming’s aim is to have four to five ITCs operational by the end of the year subject to finalising operating costs.

The ITC network is a priority for British Swimming National Performance Director Michael Scott who views it as a major component of his strategic plan for the sport from 2009 to 2013.

“Creating a world-class daily training environment is an exciting part of our overall strategy towards realising our long-term performance goals,” explained Scott.

“These centres will provide a one stop shop service point for swimmers and coaches - the aim is to provide everything they need in their development from the right amount of 50m pool time to sports science support.

“We are evaluating the programme management of the centres too so that we can ensure the environment is conducive to high performance and that we continue to improve our services offered.”

Scott’s plan is to have centres that will improve both the numbers and quality of world-class athletes and coaches in Britain by providing a quality training environment on a daily basis. They will also provide a pathway of opportunities for athlete and coach progression.

“The aim is to raise standards with each ITC required to work towards an agreed plan which will incorporate annual performance plans for both the athletes and coaches involved with each centre,” explained Scott.

British Swimming evaluated all ITC candidates on a combination of tender compliance, performance capabilities of the bid, financial considerations and contractual negotiations. British Swimming anticipates announcing the successful candidates next month.

British Swimming has also begun to interview for the Head Coach roles at each of these Centres. It’s anticipated these appointments will be announced after the Beijing Olympic Games.