Date for reopening of Victorian pool announced

A listed Victorian swimming pool which has been shut for more than two years will re-open next month.

Swimmers will be able to dive into the Health Hydro, on Milton Road, on 19 January, Swindon Borough Council (SBC) has confirmed.

Work to refurbish other parts of the The Grade II*-listed building - such as at the site's Turkish Baths - is ongoing and these areas will remain closed.

SBC councillor Marina Strinkovsky said the Health Hydro was a "unique and historic building" which required thoughtful and safe work. "The result is a facility that's ready to welcome people back, with significant improvements already in place," she added.

The Health Hydro was built by the Great Western Railway Medical Fund in 1891 to provide affordable access to preventative and medical care for the community.

Its restoration has so far focused on the creation of new changing rooms, a redesigned entrance hall and a gym and activity space, as well as the removal of asbestos.

SBC has received planning approval and listed building consent for a second phase of works on the building's main pool hall - including improvements to ventilation, accessibility and environmental performance - but said funding still needed to be secured.

Ms Strinkovsky added: "I'm really looking forward to seeing swimmers and gym users enjoying the Hydro again.

"And while this reopening marks a major milestone, we're continuing to work hard to secure funding for the next phases of restoration."

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