THE TRANSFORMATION of Ledbury Swimming Pool has been given a major boost after Sport England awarded the project a massive £500k grant.
Major multi-million pound work to expand the centre started last month by Halo, who run the Lawnside Road building on behalf of Herefordshire Council, and includes a new fitness suite, an expanded gym, a new fitness studio, a new sauna, steam room and feature shower as well as a refurbed reception area.
And the huge donation of National Lottery funding from Sport England will help modernise its changing facilities which are said to be in need of an update.
Its new village style changing rooms will offer more flexibility for families and school groups, as well as being more accommodating for disability swimmers and centre users.
Alex Haines, Halo Partnership Manager said: “This Sport England funding means we are currently investing in the region of £2.6m into the facility.
“As we speak the Halo team are now upgrading and extending the gym and exercise studio, giving the reception and changing facilities a makeover and building a new sauna and steam room.”
While work is taking place visitors can still work out at Halo’s temporary fitness base at the Youth Centre on Bye Street located just behind the pool, which is offering a gym and group exercise classes.
Building work is expected to be completed by April next year.
The centre was one of only 22 projects across England to receive funding from Sport England’s £7.5 million Improvement Fund with the latest round of funding placed a special emphasis on helping club’s improve swimming facilities.
Sport England property director, Charles Johnston, said: “Thankfully as a nation we are becoming more active. Meeting this demand can be challenging, but thanks to National Lottery funding we can help Ledbury Swimming Pool improve their facilities so even more people can enjoy a really first rate experience of being active.
“Swimming is one of those sports that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re going length after length or a just having a quick splash about.”
Herefordshire councillor Harry Bramer added: “This is fantastic news and a great boost for this already exciting project and I am very much looking forward to when the new development opens and to see the benefits this new leisure facility will bring to the community.”
