Work to replace and upgrade part of the ageing and outdated heating and ventilation system within the pool area at the King Alfred Leisure Centre starts next week.
The work, beginning on Monday 18 March, is being carried out to prolong the life of the pool and improve the environment for swimmers while a decision is made on replacing the centre with a modern, energy efficient new leisure facility.
Funding to cover the £800,000 cost was allocated by the council, when concerns with the heating and ventilation duct which pumps warm air around the poolside, were identified.
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the Culture, Heritage, Sports, Tourism and Economic Development Committee, said: “The current King Alfred pools are over 40 years old and much of the essential equipment and building fabric which keeps the centre up and running, is now coming to the end of its serviceable life.
“The ventilation duct and associated heating systems need to be replaced and we have identified the necessary funding.
“We will do everything we can to keep the centre open for as long as possible, so residents continue to enjoy swimming, while we progress our exciting plans to build a new leisure centre.”
More than 1,200 children are currently learning to swim at the King Alfred, and over 17,000 swim visits are recorded every month.
Regular inspections have been carried out at the King Alfred to monitor the condition of parts of the ageing building and the associated ductwork and ventilation system.
The work will involve relocating the centre’s pool air handling unit, installing new ducting and filling in the old ducts with lightweight concrete. The replacement systems will be more modern and energy efficient and improve the environment for pool users.
The work, which will continue until late September, has been programmed to minimise disruption to the pool operation, and will include some overnight working. There are currently no planned closures of the pool.
Find out about proposals to build a new leisure centre in the west of the city to replace the ageing King Alfred.
