Flagship community swimming pools officially open

The pools took 12 days to fill with about 1,700,000 litres (374,000 gallons) of water

Two new swimming pools have opened at a leisure centre in Berkshire.

The facilities at the Rivermead Leisure Centre in Reading include an 82ft (25m) pool, a teaching and diving pool and a splashpad area for children.

The pools took 12 days to fill with about 1,700,000 litres (374,000 gallons) of water.

They have been opened as part of a project by Reading Borough Council's to invest £40m in leisure facilities in the town.

The splashpad was sure to become a "family favourite”, the council said

The leisure centre opened its gym, studio and soft play area in July 2023.

Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward said: "I’m sure residents are as excited as I am at the thought of being able to enjoy the new and improved facilities over the summer break.

"These two new pools are part of our commitment to ensuring that everyone in the community has access to the resources they need to lead healthy and active lives. And we haven’t forgotten the fun – the splashpad is sure to become a family favourite.”