Glasgow is one of Europe's most vibrant and cultural cities which has been recognised with many awards Garden Festival City 1988; European City of Culture 1990 and UK City of Architecture 1999. Glasgow is the cultural capital of Scotland as well as being the largest City and offers all the buzz and excitement you would expect from one of Europe's liveliest destinations.
2.1 Sports and Recreation
Glasgow has a tradition of achievement in sport with the success of Glasgow Celtic FC (the first British Club to win the European Cup) and Glasgow Rangers FC (past winners of the European Cup Winners Cup) and is the home to the national football stadium Hampden Park.
There is a wide range of quality sports facilities in the City such as the intemational 50m Swimming Pool at Tollcross Park and the world famous Kelvin Hall Intemational Sports Arena which play host to many World and Intemational events including Grand Prix swimming meets and world championship boxing.
2.2 Museums and Galleries
Outside of London, Glasgow lays claim to the largest collection of Art Galleries and Museums in the UK. These include the Gallery of Modem Art, the People's Palace and the world renowned Burrell Collection which stands in the grounds of Pollok Country Park and houses over 8,000 exhibits from ancient civilisation, oriental art and paintings all of which add up to a truly unique collection. What's more, almost all of Glasgow's Museums and Galleries offer free admission.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the famous Architect and Designer, hails from Glasgow and many examples of his work can be seen throughout the City, none better than the Willow Tearooms in Sauchiehall and Buchanan Street.
2.3 Parks and Gardens
Glasgow means "Dear Green Place" in Gaelic and is aptly named with over 70 public parks and gardens which is more than any comparable city in Europe. Glasgow's oldest park - Glasgow Green - is situated in the heart of the City on the banks of the River Clyde and hosts many outdoor events throughout the year including the World Pipe Band Championships and the annual Fireworks display.
2.4 Glasgow Shopping
Glasgow is unrivalled for shopping by any city in Britain outside London. From designer boutiques such as Armani and Versace in the Italian Centre and Ted Baker and Donna Karen in the magnificent Princes Square to the world famous "Glasgow Barras" outdoor market, with over 1000 traders, you are sure to find a bargain!
2.5 Theatres and Concert Halls
Cultural life in Glasgow is flourishing and many new facilities have recently been added to its already long list of magnificent venues. These include the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the City's most prestigious venue and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre which is Scotland's largest multi-purpose venue for concerts, special events and exhibitions.
An array of top class restaurants, wme bars and traditional pubs, night clubs and multiplex cinemas ensures that there is something to suit everyone.
3.1 Background Information
Tollcross Park Leisure Centre was completed in 1996 and incorporated funding in the region of £9.5m from Glasgow City Council, Scottish Sports Council, Glasgow Development Agency, the European Development Fund and the Foundation for Sports and the Arts. It is the Jewel in the Crown of swimming facilities in Glasgow and recently provided a venue for the British Long Course Swimming Championships.
3.2 Location
Tollcross Park Leisure Centre is situated in the East End of Glasgow in the famous Tollcross Park. Within easy reach of the M8 Motorway, the Centre can be accessed easily by car from the City Centre, only 10 minutes drive or five minutes from the M8 Motorway.
The local low level rail network is easily accessed via Carntyne Station with only a 15 minute walk before you reach Tollcross Park.
Additionally, Strathclyde Buses access the Leisure Centre from a number of City Centre venues within 20-25 minutes, stopping immediately outside the Park.
Tollcross Park Leisure Centre provides adequate parking facilities within its grounds.
3.3 Competition Facilities
Tollcross Park Leisure Centre provides one of Scotland's most moderm facilities with an emphasis on swimming. A 10 Lane 50m Pool with moveable pool floor and a four Lane 25m Training Pool provide facilities for swimming, water polo and synchronised swimming events throughout the year.
3.4 Refreshment and Rest Facilities
Competitor and family refreshment needs can be met in the Rendezvous Cafe offering a range of hot and cold food.
3.5 Additional Facilities
Tollcross Park Leisure Centre has an extensive range of state-of-the-art facilities provided within one complex. An eight court Multi-Sports Hall, Health Suite, split-level Fitness Suite, Dance Studio and Treetops Softplay are housed alongside the wetside facilities - there is something for everyone!