Victorian railway employees’ swimming pool reopens after main revamp

A listed Victorian swimming pool, which has been closed for greater than two yr, has reopened after restoration works.

Swindon’s Health Hydro welcomed its first swimmers again at 06:00 GMT following an £8.5m revamp.

As a part of the works, new altering rooms, heating and filtration and a brand new gymnasium had been put in.

Glenys Lock was among the many first swimmers on Monday. She has used the power for greater than 50 years and mentioned it was “wonderful” to be again.

Work was initially as a result of be accomplished in late 2024 however the discovery of asbestos and structural leaks within the Grade II-listed constructing delayed the progress.

Beyond the primary pool corridor, future phases purpose to revive the smaller pool space, Turkish baths and dispensary – however this stays depending on additional funding.

Swimming instructor Dave Leonard mentioned: “It’s really great to have this pool back. It’s been really missing from Swindon for a while now.”

Captain of the ladies’ swimming group, Aimee Masters, has been utilizing the power since she was a baby and mentioned the brand new heating makes a giant distinction.

“It used to be so cold and now it’s nice. It’s nice to come in and not freeze,” she mentioned.

Restoration plans started in 2018 when Swindon Borough Council commissioned an choices appraisal for the way forward for the listed constructing.

In partnership with leaseholder GLL, Swindon Heritage Preservation and Historic England, the authority has secured about £8.6m price of funding.

Jim Robbins, council chief, instructed the BBC he was “absolutely delighted” to see swimmers again within the pool.

The pool was constructed on subscription by railway employees within the city for well being and health, Robbins added.

“It’s got a massive history. It was seen as the blueprint for the National Health Service, something that Swindonians should rightly be very, very proud of,” he mentioned.