Regulars flock back to revamped swimming pool

Duty manager Alex Hart said it was good to see regular swimmers back

Customers have flocked back to a Telford swimming pool after it reopened on Tuesday, following about a year of major refurbishment work.

Key improvements to the pool at the Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre have included installing an air source heat pump, new roof and wall installation in the pool hall, along with an energy-efficient hot water system and improved ventilation.

While the work was underway, people wanting to use a pool have gone to other sites, including Short Wood, Oakengates and Abraham Darby.

"It's nice to see happy faces and regular customers coming back from other centres," said Alex Hart, duty manager at the pool.

"We've got our lessons back and running next week, next Monday, so will be nice and happy to see them back.

"Especially the ones that live closer to home here as well... having the other centres open as normal made it a lot easier for them to go there."

The pool closed for a revamp about a year ago

The whole project was to modernise the pool and to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

It is part of Telford and Wrekin Council's efforts to be carbon neutral by 2030.

"We've insulated the building as well, so [in] the pool hall, we've insulated the walls and the ceiling, a new lighting system... a new pool surround, refurbished spectator area, [and] we've got the pool cover installed now which will guarantee it for the future.," said Robin Glover, leisure operations manager at the authority.

Robin Glover thanked customers for their patience

As customers returned on Tuesday, Mr Glover added that it was "brilliant" to see if so busy.

"We've been really grateful to our customers, they've moved to places like Short Wood swimming pool, Oakengates Leisure Centre, Abraham Darby Sports and Leisure Centre, so thank you to them for sticking with us while we've been closed."

The council said the work followed on from similar investment programmes at Oakengates Leisure Centre in 2024 and Newport Fitness and Swimming Centre in 2022.

It comes at a time when a coalition, including the Local Government Association (LGA), say funding should be invested in facilities people rely on every day to stay active and healthy, like swimming pools.

Its research said 60 per cent of swimming pools were beyond their expected lifespan or in need of refurbishment.