The future of the ground where Reading Central Swimming Pool once stood is uncertain years after the building was demolished.

The Central Pool in Battle Street was closed and demolished in 2018 after Reading Borough Council claimed it was becoming too expensive to run.

Some 16 months ago, the council’s policy committee agreed to transform the Central Pool site into a place for the elderly to live and access services.

But it appears little work has progressed since then.

It is understood an in-person consultation took place between then and now, where embryonic plans for a care and retirement homes were displayed.

Visuals of what the Central Pool replacement could look like were posted on the Reading-on-Thames Instagram page on Saturday, May 28.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeGiUinMpxE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ReadiThames (@readingonthames) 

 

The post states that they show the council’s proposals for an elderly day centre, sheltered, general needs and supported living accommodation, providing a total of 62 homes contained in low rise apartment buildings and houses.However, back in January 2021, it was agreed 74 apartments would be built at the former Central Pool instead, along with  a 35-place elderly day care service.

It is unclear whether the reduction in homes is definite or not, as no planning application for the site has been submitted yet.

Reading Chronicle: Hoardings put up around the old Central Pool site in Battle Street, Reading. Credit: Google MapsHoardings put up around the old Central Pool site in Battle Street, Reading. Credit: Google Maps

Reading Borough Council has been asked for a progress update on the future of the Central Pool.

Meanwhile, hoardings securing the site have been used for artwork as part of the Reading High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme.