Work starts this week on redeveloping Reading’s Rivermead Leisure Centre.

Reading Borough Council began its £40 million investment in leisure earlier this month with the new swimming pool at Palmer Park.

Now phase two (Rivermead) will begin following the end of the Reading Festival.

The new centre will include:

  • A 25m eight-lane competition pool, with moveable pool floor
  • A splash pad for younger users
  • A combined teaching and diving pool with a moveable floor
  • A 25m five-lane club/swim lesson pool (demountable pool)
  • A café, information hub, and soft play
  • A six-court sports hall with 250 spectator seats
  • A 120-station gym with three studios
  • A new outside play area

The new Rivermead centre will be built on the eastern side of the existing car park. The existing centre will remain open until the new one is complete.

Cllr Graeme Hoskin, lead member for sport, said: “Today we have both major builds at Rivermead and Palmer Park under way. 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 eight-lane competition pool with dedicated diving provision at Rivermead and a brand new 25m six-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.

“As a council, taking action on the climate emergency is a top priority for us. The new centres will be constructed to BREEAM Excellent environmental standards and with renewables wherever possible.

“Measures to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental efficiency will hopefully make Reading’s leisure facilities some of the most environmentally friendly in the UK.”

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