Reading Borough Council's virtual tour of proposed leisure facilities

In the virtual tour, Reading Borough Council (RBC) offers a glimpse of the revamped Rivermead and Palmer Park leisure centres - including the building of two modern swimming pools.

RBC's commitment to providing modern and much-improved facilities for swimmers and sports enthusiasts in Reading gained momentum in December 2020, after the two major planning applications were submitted.

READ MORE: Police seek offenders AND fleeing victim who was attacked in a car near nursery

These applications are due to be considered in March this year.

The council’s chosen leisure provider, Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) – who currently manage Rivermead Leisure Centre on behalf of RBC – will operate the new leisure facilities once they are opened.

The planning applications provide a detailed spec of the proposed new facilities, which are set to include:

Rivermead:

• A 25m 8-lane competition pool with moveable floor and 300 spectator seats

• A combined teaching and diving pool

• Splash pads
• A 6-court sports hall with 250 spectator seats
• A 120-station gym with 3 studios
• A café/ info hub and soft play

PICTURED: Rivermead

Palmer Park

• A modern new 25 metre, 6-lane community pool
• A 100-station gym with three studios
• An activity zone for children with party rooms,
• And a new café and information hub.
• Embedded media

PICTURED: Palmer Park

Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading’s lead councillor for Health, Wellbeing & Sport, said: “Our new video offers an exciting ‘virtual’ glimpse of the modern facilities people can look forward to, as we work towards delivering new sports and swimming facilities for Reading.

"I hope this will really bring the project to life for people.

"Despite the challenges of the past year, we are continuing to press forward in providing first-class leisure facilities a town of our size and status deserves, as well as achieving a good balance for Reading’s communities and for families.

"We are investing over £40 million in modern new leisure facilities – including a new leisure centre and two brand new swimming pools – delivered in partnership with our leisure provider, Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL).

READ MORE: Crime hotspots in Reading

"I’m also delighted that, aligning with our commitment to sustainability, these new developments will be built to BREEAM Excellent standards and renewables used where possible, as well as measures to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental efficiency.

"Health has also always been a driving priority in this project, and now more than ever after the significant impacts of Covid-19, our ambition to inspire the communities we serve to lead healthier, more active lives and to offer targeted activities to help reduce health inequalities, is more vital than ever.

"There is no denying this has been an incredibly tough year for everyone – and it is true to say the leisure industry as a whole has suffered both nationally and locally with the necessary restrictions that have been in place. We are, however, hopeful that we can drive this project through.

PICTURED: Leisure facilities

"As well as watching the new leisure video on the Council's YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/TWLP75MPAkc, I also encourage everyone to take a look at the detailed plans that have been submitted. This is also an opportunity to comment on the details of the facilities that are proposed. You can find out more information on the council’s website at www.reading.gov.uk/newleisure."

For more information about the project visit the website.

People will be able to comment on the applications as part of the planning process.

The applications are due to go before the Reading Council Planning Committee on Wednesday, March 31.