Pool shut for six months coming 'back with a splash'

Oasis Beach Pool has two flumes for people to ride on

A swimming pool that has been shut for more than six months is due to reopen.

Oasis Beach Pool, in Bedford, has been closed since November 2023.

Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) took over management of the site on 1 February and said it had been carrying out "necessary repairs".

It announced the pool would be "back with a splash" from 20 May and further improvements to the Bedford Borough Council-owned building would be carried out over the next few months.

The facility also had a lazy river, small pool, leisure pool and jacuzzi

Ricky Whiting, the new general manager of the pool, said he was "thrilled" for the reopening which would operate under the trading name of Better.

"Better is committed to delivering a first-class service and we aim to please the people of Bedford and beyond."

The company said it had restored key water features, and the "leisure pool, flumes, indoor lazy river, small pool and jacuzzi will all be available for your community to enjoy".

A gym area has also been converted into a dedicated party room and new caterers will be on the site.

"There will still be some future investment, this includes essential maintenance work on the outdoor elements of the centre and continued work to transform the remaining previous gym areas into party room areas," a GLL spokesperson said.

Conservative councillor Sarah Gallagher, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: "It goes beyond mere cosmetic upgrades, although the fresh coat of paint has already made a significant impact.

"We're seeing a wholesale improvement of all our leisure centres under the Better partnership."