Swimming pool set for upgrade to avert closure

Lonsdale Swimming Pool in Derby is set for renovation

A community swimming pool is set for an upgrade in a bid to avoid closure due to rising energy costs.

Derby City Council has approved the plans to "safeguard the future" of Lonsdale Swimming Pool in Mickleover.

Plans include new cladding, replacing windows and doors, improving insulation and bringing the building up to current regulations.

Council planning officers approved the application on 31 October.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the pool was temporarily closed for about three months due to "unforeseen problems" and "difficulties" in getting replacement parts.

A design statement on behalf of Lonsdale Swimming and Sports Trust said: “These works are essential to create an energy efficient building to safeguard its future as a vital community asset.

"Without the permission for these changes being improved, the likelihood the facility will be able to continue to operate with rising energy costs is very low.

“The proposal for the permission to improve the thermal efficiency of the building, to change its appearance does not cause significant harm to the local context or any heritage assets.”