Swindon Link Centre pool to finally reopen in new year

The pool at The Link Centre in Swindon has been closed since being damaged by flooding in September

A swimming pool at a leisure centre which was forced to close because of flooding, is set to reopen in January.

The pool at The Link Centre in Swindon has been shut since it suffered significant damage caused by flash flooding in September.

Most services have since reopened and the pool will be available again from 2 January.

It has also been announced that the centre's ice rink is set to reopen to the public on 18 December.

Temporary equipment to provide heating, a power supply and circulation pumps will be installed initially to allow the pool to reopen in January,

Better, the social enterprise which runs The Link Centre, said permanent replacements had been ordered and a short closure would be required to allow them to be installed later in 2024.

Partnership manager, Barnaby Rich, said: "We know what an essential role it plays in the lives of so many local people and what a valued community asset it is.

"That's why we've opted to open the pool at the earliest possible opportunity, using some temporary equipment, which will need to be replaced, rather than waiting for the delivery of the new specialist kit that is on order."

The leisure centre ice rink is set to reopen to the public on 18 December

The gym and fitness studios at the building, owned by Swindon Borough Council, reopened in October, along with the trampoline park and café.

Councillor Jim Grant, cabinet member for communities said: "This is great news for everyone who uses the pool at the Link from those who swim every day to our younger club swimmers and those who take lessons."

Meanwhile, the ice rink is set to reopen to the public on 18 December, following matches for ice hockey team the Swindon Wildcats on Saturday and Sunday.