Swindon Hydro leisure centre needs 'more funding' for works

Refurbishment of the Hydro leisure centre building started earlier this year

A borough council is bidding for more funding to complete a renovation of a town's Victorian swimming baths.

The Hydro Health leisure centre in Swindon closed earlier this year for a £6m refurbishment and work has now began on the front of the building.

It is currently in the first phase of works, with £5.7m needed to complete the second phase. The project aims to repair and insulate the main pool roof.

Swindon Borough Council said it is bidding for a national grant.

Scaffolding currently covers the building to allow for work to repair the roofs and sections of the stonework and windows.

'Remarkable history'

The refurbishment will see improved changing facilities, a new entrance, and a fitness suite in the former washing baths hall.

The council said it will continue to "showcase the building's remarkable history".

Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for Heritage, Art and Culture, Marina Strinkovsky, said: "This bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund signals a new era and wave of optimism for Swindon's heritage and marks an important milestone for the restoration and regeneration of this building.

"The Hydro is an important landmark for the town and it's one we want to see restored to its former glory and available for future generations to enjoy."

The outcome of the funding bid will be found out in March, when a second application will need to be submitted.