Work has started on the major £1.3million refurbishment of Abingdon’s much-loved outdoor pool – this artist’s impression shows what the facility could look like when the project is complete.
The work, which will take six months to complete, will see the two existing pools joined together to create one large pool featuring an easy access beach-style walk in area. The changing areas will also be fully refurbished to provide a better environment for all visitors.
A rubber crumbed surface will be installed to create a safe area around the pool and in front of the changing rooms, while further changes will be carried out to improve accessibility throughout the facility. New energy efficient lighting and equipment will also help to cut maintenance and operational costs.
Weather permitting, the pool will reopen in time for the 2018 summer season. The work will be carried out by Vincent Stokes who specialise in building and refurbishing swimming pools and other leisure facilities and have worked with a number of high profile national leisure providers.
Cllr Charlotte Dickson, Cabinet Member for Leisure at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “It’s great to see work starting on this major refurbishment and I look forward to seeing the improvements taking shape prior to the re-opening next year.
“We have made a significant investment into the outdoor pool and the wider Abbey Meadow area. When the pool re-opens it will be accessible for many more people in the community and will provide a much-improved facility for all visitors.”