Florence, South Carolina – A long-empty grocery store on West Palmetto Street is now set for a very different future, as Florence 1 Schools moves forward with plans to turn the former Lidl Food Market into a new aquatic center for students and the wider swim community.
The building, located at 2205 W. Palmetto Street, has been vacant for more than three years since Lidl closed its Florence location. What once served shoppers may soon serve swimmers, coaches, families and spectators under a project that district leaders have positioned as a major step forward for local athletics.
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At a recent Florence 1 Schools board meeting, the district’s board of trustees approved the $5.2 million purchase of the former Lidl building. The board also approved an architect contract tied to the project, clearing the way for planning and design work to move ahead.
The proposed aquatic center is expected to include an 8-lane, 50-meter competition pool. The setup would also be flexible, allowing the main pool to be converted into two 25-yard pools when needed. Plans also include a dedicated warm-down and instructional pool, along with spectator seating and locker rooms.
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For Florence swimmers, the project could bring a major change. Local student-athletes have often had to travel outside the area for home meets, and the new facility would give them a competition space closer to home. That could make practices, meets and community swim opportunities easier to manage for schools and families.
Funding for the project will come from several sources. The Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation is contributing $5 million, while Florence County is providing $2 million. Florence 1 Schools will cover the remaining cost.
Supporters have described the project as “A GAME CHANGER FOR FLORENCE SWIMMING!” and the excitement reflects the broader promise of the facility. Beyond competition, the center is expected to support instruction, training and community use.
“The construction of this new aquatic center represents a major investment in our students, our schools, and our community,” said Superintendent Richard O’Malley.
“The state-of-the-art facility will provide opportunities for competition, wellness, and instruction for generations to come. We are proud to create a space where excellence can thrive both in and out of the water.”
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After years of sitting quiet, the old Lidl building is now tied to a new purpose. Instead of checkout lines and grocery aisles, the space is being prepared for lanes, locker rooms and a future built around water, competition and local pride.
