Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool re-opens today after £750,0000 refurbishment
Built in 1869, Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool is believed to be the second oldest outdoor swimming pool in the UK. Closure was staved off in 1973 when the local council ended its involvement with the pool and management was taken over by a committee of volunteers. However, the years have taken their toll and investment was needed to continue operations. The pool re-opens for the 2016 season today following a £750,000 refurbishment.
The pool is fed by natural spring water, which is heated, and used annually by around 20,000 people. The refurbishment works include new changing facilities, meeting rooms, an office and housing for the pool’s pump and heating machinery.
A second phase will see the additional of solar panels, disabled access ramps and pool covers provided an additional £160,000 of funding can be sourced.
Mike Cutts, Chairman of Cirencester Open Air Pool says: “The initial work was made possible through the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of several local organisations. We are lucky that one particularly supportive local donor provided a significant percentage of the funds needed, allowing the project to go ahead. The new changing rooms and facilities were a much needed change to the pool. Our old facilities were becoming harder and more expensive to maintain and the work we have undertaken will ensure another 100 years of use and pleasure for both local residents and visitors to Cirencester.”
Find out more: http://www.cirenopenair.co.uk/