Pictures show progress of new leisure centre in east Reading

Council release what they describe as "stunning" pictures

Author: Jonathan RichardsPublished 6th Jan 2022

Reading Borough council has published pictures including drone footage of the work to build new and refurbished leisure facilities in Palmer Park in the east of the town.

The footage captured during the morning sunrise, shows the latest progress on the Palmer Park construction site, with the outline of the new pool and the steel frame of the new entrance, reception and information hub clearly visible.

The council describe the footage as "stunning".

East Reading council tax payers have been without a swimming pool since the Arthur Hill swimming baths closed in 2016.

The new community pool and facilities will open to the public in late 2022. At Palmer Park, in addition to the refurbishment of the existing stadium building, there will be:

A new 25 metre, 6-lane community pool;

A 100-station gym;

An activity zone for children with party rooms;

And a new café and information hub.

Following the construction of the pool frame, the next major event will be the installation of the new pool roof and the replacement of the existing stadium roof. This work will take place from the end of April 2022.

The roof replacement work will necessitate the unavoidable closure of the gym and indoor sports facilities for around 6 months, until autumn 2022.

Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Sport, said:

“The footage helps keep the exciting end goal in sight - by late 2022 east Reading will boast a brand new 25m 6-lane community pool at Palmer Park, linked to existing sports facilities – combining the benefits of a sizable pool, velodrome and athletics stadium all in one accessible location – delivering a fairly unique facility in the region and putting Reading firmly on the map as a top sports destination.”

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