Council Floats Plans For Chiswick New Pool

Including adding a crèche and café on ground floor with a new gym and studio above

Chiswick New Pool is set for a major refurbishment this year after plans to improve the borough’s leisure facilities were unveiled by the council.

The old gym will become a crèche and café on the ground floor and a new enlarged reception and foyer will lead up to a new gym and studio on the first floor. The pool changing rooms will also be refurbished and enlarged.

Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre will also be given an overhaul including a new design for the entrance and reception at Brentford Fountain, plus refurbishing the changing areas and toilet facilities.

The existing fitness suite will be remodelled and extended to create a state-of-the-art 100-workstation gym. The café will also be refreshed and a small café / juice bar created on the existing pool side terrace.

Leader of the council, Peter Thompson, said, “Our leisure centres have long been in need of redevelopment, which is why we made a commitment to invest an additional £2 million to improve the borough’s parks, libraries and leisure facilities.

“There’s a lot to be done, but these are very exciting projects, and we will be working closely with our leisure partners, Fusion Lifestyle.”

The new facilities in Chiswick are expected to be available for use by Christmas 2009.

Display boards outlining the plans are at Chiswick New Pool and Brentford Leisure Centre until 6th February 2009.

Commenting on the plans, one resident told ChiswickW4.com, “I think Chiswick New Pool is brilliant and unique. The atmosphere is the best of all the pools I have swum in and the emphasis is always on having fun in a relaxed friendly family atmosphere. I don't understand why everyone wants to make every swimming pool like every other!? Why make it like everywhere else when it is already fantastic?”

He continued, “Obviously the repairs need to be finished. Would they cost more than the £175,000 the council already spends on it a year?”

A series of open meetings have been scheduled to present the proposals where public attendance and feedback is invited. Alternatively, suggestions and feedback can be submitted in advance at each of the centres.

January 28, 2009