SWIMMERS at Stratford Leisure Centre can continue to take a dip during the upcoming refurbishments.
Part of a wider £5million project – to include the construction of a £289,000 climbing wall – some of the Bridgefoot building and its facilities are being upgraded for the first time in more than three decades.
The swimming pools are set to remain open during the summer as work is not expected to start until autumn.
And when they do eventually close, a temporary 18m x 6m heated pool will be installed in the car park so users can continue to swim.
At just over one metre deep, the pool is being provided by Total Swimming – a company set up by former Olympian Steve Parry, who won a bronze medal in the 200m butterfly at Athens 2004.
A spokeswoman for the district council, which owns the leisure centre, said: “We are keen to ensure swimming facilities are still provided and are working with Total Swimming and Steve Parry to provide a temporary pool while the work is carried out.
“The pool area and water will be heated to the same temperature swimmers are used to, to ensure a pleasurable swimming experience.”
A contractor is now being sought before the council begins the revamp later this year.
It is anticipated the pool will be closed for around 18 weeks but the centre itself is expected to remain open while refurbishment is carried out in phases.
Visit www.stratford.gov.uk or www.everyoneactive.com for further information.
