Work on new leisure centre in Reading starts

A new swimming pool will be part of the new development at Rivermead

Author: Jonathan RichardsPublished 31st Aug 2021

Work has started on the new leisure centre at Rivermead in Reading.

The development will include a new 8-lane competition pool and diving pool.

It's hoped it'll be finished by early 2023.

The council say the existing leisure centre will remain open until the new centre is complete to ensure no gap in people’s leisure service.

The new Rivermead facilities will include:

25m 8 lane competition pool, with moveable pool floor

Splash pad for younger users

A combined teaching and diving pool with a moveable floor

25m 5 lane club/swim lesson pool (demountable pool)

A café, information hub, and soft play

A 6-court sports hall with 250 spectator seats

A 120-station gym with 3 studios

A new outside play area

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

“Today we have both major builds at Rivermead and Palmer Park underway. This well and truly provides residents with tangible evidence of our commitment to delivering the new facilities.

“Despite the unprecedented challenges of the past year, the Council and our leisure partners, GLL, remain fully committed to delivering the modern new leisure facilities a town of our size and status deserves.

“By spring 2023, Reading will boast a 25m 8-lane competition pool with dedicated diving provision at Rivermead and a brand new 25m 6-lane community pool at Palmer Park, linked to existing sports facilities. We have chosen an option that achieves a good balance for Reading, for the community and for families."

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