New Swimming pool opens in east Reading
The pool is part of a multi-million pound facelift for Palmer park leisure centre
Last updated 17th Dec 2022
Six years after the popular Arthur Hill pool closed a sparkling new 25-metre community swimming pool at the refurbished Palmer Park Leisure Centre & Stadium opens to the public this week.
From Monday 19 December, Reading will boast a brand new 25m 6-lane pool, linked to existing sports facilities – combining a swimming pool, velodrome and athletics stadium all in one accessible location.
In addition to the accessible new community pool and the refurbishment of the existing stadium building, visitors to the new centre can look forward to:
A 100-station gym;
A soft play/ activity zone for children with party rooms;
New changing rooms, toilets and Changing Places facility;
A new café and information hub;
A new pedestrianised plaza area surrounding the centre;
And a new way-finding route, to enable people with visual impairments to easily navigate the route across the park.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:
"We promised the residents of Reading a community pool at Palmer Park and we are now just days away from delivering on that promise. I am delighted residents will be able to enjoy the new and improved facilities over the Christmas break and those of us making New Year resolutions to go to the gym more often will also have a 100-station gym with beautiful views across the park.”
Craig Woodward, GLL’s Partnership Manager for Reading said:
“At Palmer Park we now have state-of-the-art leisure facilities for the people of Reading. The benefits of these new facilities for the local community are huge.
“Reading’s improved provision will offer an inviting and welcoming environment, for all local residents to enjoy, in addition to enabling us to provide dedicated courses and activities that encourage better health and wellbeing.”
You can find out more here https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/reading