SWIMMERS might struggle to do a few lengths at Stratford Leisure Centre’s pool in its current state.
But as these pictures show, the latest stage of its refurbishment appears to be going swimmingly.
Part of a £5million regeneration project, some of the council-owned building, which celebrated its 40th birthday in April last year, is being upgraded for the first time in more than three decades.
Contractors have already drained the main pool – currently closed to the public – and leisure centre users have been swimming in a temporary one provided as part of the British Gas ‘Pools for Schools Programme’ outside the sports hall in the car park.
In addition to the new swimming pool, the first stage of the revamp will see wet-side changing rooms, a rear entrance, and a café built.
On Wednesday (January 21) representatives from the district council and contractors Speller Metcalfe will be performing the official turf cutting ceremony – signalling the start of the works on the leisure centre.
The main swimming pool is expected to reopen in May just ahead of the start of the refurbishment’s second phase.
Lasting around four months, this will see changes to and the construction of, a sports hall, new front entrance, reception area, dance studio and £289,000 climbing wall.
The gym, all weather pitches and group exercise classes/dance studios are set to remain open as normal and it is anticipated the works should be complete by September.
Visit www.stratford.gov.uk or www.everyoneactive.com for further information.
