New leisure centre officially opened in Reading
The new Rivermead centre has been built opposite the old one
A special celebration event has seen the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page, alongside special guest, local Olympic rower, Rowan McKellar, unveil a plaque marking the opening of Reading's new leisure centre.
The new Rivermead centre has been built opposite the old one which is now being demolished to create a new car park and children's play area.
Rivermead’s facilities are designed with a focus on accessibility and sustainability, to benefit everyone in Reading. The Council is not only funding these new facilities, but also investing in targeted activities to reduce health inequalities.
The opening of dry-side facilities at Rivermead in July will be followed in summer 2024 by the two new swimming pools - a 25m 8 lane competition pool and a teaching & diving pool, both with moveable floors, with over 300 spectator seats (including 7 accessible wheelchair spaces), alongside splash pads for younger users.
Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:
“The centre represents a significant investment in Reading and provides leisure facilities that are fit for the future.
“The centre has been built to BREEAM Excellent environmental standards and is designed to create an inclusive fitness environment so everyone in our community can join in and experience the benefits of physical activity.
“Reading’s community can enjoy a fantastic new sports hall and a 120-station gym with studios, as well as a fabulous soft play and café families will love.
“We are also looking forward to the new swimming pools opening next summer, which will be yet another opportunity to celebrate.”
Facilities include:
• a 120-station gym with 3 studios,
• a 6-court sports hall with 250 spectator seats,
• new toilets and changing facilities (including a Changing Places toilet),
• soft play, new reception area and café.
Two air source heat pumps (ASHP) at Rivermead will equate to around a 75% reduction of the carbon emission rate of the new centre’s heating system and at their peak power, Rivermead’s impressive 770 solar panels will output over 296 kW.