Victorian swimming pool reopens after major revamp
BBCA listed Victorian swimming pool, which has been closed for more than two year, has reopened after restoration works.
Swindon's Health Hydro welcomed its first swimmers back at 06:00 GMT following an £8.5m revamp.
As part of the works, new changing rooms, heating and filtration and a new gym were installed.
Glenys Lock was among the first swimmers on Monday. She has used the facility for more than 50 years and said it was "wonderful" to be back.
Work was originally due to be completed in late 2024 but the discovery of asbestos and structural leaks in the Grade II-listed building delayed the progress.
Beyond the main pool hall, future phases aim to revive the smaller pool area, Turkish baths and dispensary - but this remains dependent on further funding.
Swimming teacher Dave Leonard said: "It's really great to have this pool back. It's been really missing from Swindon for a while now."
Captain of the girls' swimming team, Aimee Masters, has been using the facility since she was a child and said the new heating makes a big difference.
"It used to be so cold and now it's nice. It's nice to come in and not freeze," she said.
Restoration plans began in 2018 when Swindon Borough Council commissioned an options appraisal for the future of the listed building.
In partnership with leaseholder GLL, Swindon Heritage Preservation and Historic England, the authority has secured about £8.6m worth of funding.
Jim Robbins, council leader, told the BBC he was "absolutely delighted" to see swimmers back in the pool.
The pool was built on subscription by railway workers in the town for health and fitness, Robbins added.
"It's got a massive history. It was seen as the blueprint for the National Health Service, something that Swindonians should rightly be very, very proud of," he said.
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