Waterside Community Trust has secured £254,000 in Government funding to fully refurbish the changing rooms at the Centre, as well as replacing the roof above the changing rooms.
The project is due to start early in the new year and be completed by Spring of 2025.
In the meantime, other projects hope to start sooner, such as the replacement of the roof, fitment of solar panels and replacement of the pools heating systems.
Over 25 years old
The current changing facilities are over 25 years old, with between 500 – 1,000 visitors per day, the changing rooms are used extensively and are certainly in urgent need of work to modernise them.
Extensive renovations will see the changing rooms stripped back, with all drainage, tiles, fixtures and fitting replaced.
The Charity will be going out to tender for the works in the coming months, where it hopes to attract local businesses who can ensure the project is delivered to a high standard and within the tight budget set out for the works.
Lilley: Waterside is such an essential asset
Councillor Michael Lilley, IW and RTC Ward Councillor for Ryde Appley and Elmfield Ward (which includes Waterside), said,
“I am overjoyed that Waterside Community Pool has received funding to undertake major work that will improve facilities for local residents and visitors.
“Waterside is such an essential asset and its long-term sustainability is crucial to the health and mental well-being of the community. Well done!”
Miller: The team at the centre can’t wait for the works to get underway
Todd Miller, General Manager at Waterside Community Trust, said,
“The project to refurbish the swimming pool changing rooms will transform the customer experience and all the team at the centre can’t wait for the works to get underway.
“The environmental works taking place at the same time have also come at the right time, as we battle to overcome huge challenges with our energy cost.”
Some possible disruption
Whilst the work is taking place the pool will remain open as much as possible, but there will be periods during the works where visitors will have to come swim ready for their sessions and change on poolside.
News shared by Todd on behalf of Waterside Community Trust. Ed
