OWNERS of Wangaratta's Moore Than Swimming are hoping an auction on 9 May will net a new proprietor who will continue operation of the Mason Street indoor pool.

Lionel and Jenny Moore opened the swimming education centre in 1998, providing a salt-water pool designed for teaching all ages to learn to swim, or to maintain their fitness.

Prior to establishing the pool, the Moores had spent four years teaching children to swim in their backyard pool.

They purchased the Mason Street site when it was offered as part of a subdivision, and have since spent $500,000 on improvements to the centre.

However, Lionel, 68, said that with both he and Jenny having experienced recent health issues, they had decided it was time to retire.

"I've loved it, and I'll miss it a lot," Lionel said.

"We are really hoping someone will buy (the site) and on-sell the pool to someone - that's what I'd like to see.

"It would be such a shame to see it go, because I think it’s an asset to Wangaratta.

"I would very much like to see the pool retained."

The business currently employs five swim teachers as well as Lionel and Jenny, and attracts individuals in addition to school groups for swimming lessons.

The centre also provides a venue for the weekly Wangaratta Community Market on Sunday mornings.

Lionel said the centre would continue to open until sold.

"If it's not sold, we'll still continue to operate," he said.

Advertising for the auction through Harcourts Wangaratta says the 2.46 hectare site "presents diverse possibilities, whether you are a developer, investor, or looking to secure a substantial landholding in the heart of Wangaratta" and offers "a canvas for a variety of residential development projects".

The property will be auctioned on-site at 1pm on Friday, 9 May, unless sold prior.

If Moore Than Swimming did close, it would leave the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre as the only option for swimming lessons in the rural city.

For more information about the sale, contact Harcourts Wangaratta on 5722 9444.