A new Reading leisure centre has been officially opened by a Reading-born Paralympian.
Palmer Park sports centre opened on Thursday, January 12 with the help of double gold medallist Paralympian Graham Edmunds.
The new site includes a 25m community swimming pool, fitness studio, cycle studio, gym, soft play, cafe, and more.
Edmunds, who was born and grew up in Reading, gave the town’s long-awaited leisure site the official seal of approval.
He was joined by the mayor of Reading Rachel Eden and Reading Borough Council's lead councillor for Culture and Leisure Adele Barnett-Ward, alongside representatives from GLL, Reading’s leisure partner running the new centre, and Pellikaan the site’s construction company.
Graham Edmunds said: "I was blown away by the whole facility. It is beautiful and functional for all levels of activity, exercise or sport depending on what you wish to do.
"The accessibility to all parts of the building as well as the different levels of activity or exercise really impressed me.
"Having been in sports facilities all around the world, this one is up with the best I have seen for all-round capabilities. I would encourage everyone in the local area to make use of it because I can see this being the heart of the community for so many reasons."
A commemorative plaque was unveiled at 11am, followed by a synchronised swimming performance in the new community pool by the Electric Eels swimming club. Based in Windsor, the club works with children with Down Syndrome, from absolute beginners to those swimming at a competitive level.
Children from Alfred Sutton Primary School also attended and tryed out the centre’s soft play.
A number of free taster sessions were also open to the public. These included fitness and swimming classes, yoga, cycling sessions, gym inductions and health MOTs.
RBC's lead councillor for Leisure and Culture Adele Barnett-Ward said: "We promised the residents of Reading a community pool at Palmer Park and we have delivered on that promise.
Drone footage shows the internal and external of the new facilities.
The centre opened to the public on December 19, ahead of the official opening this week.
For more details or to book taster sessions visit the Palmer Park website at better.org.uk/palmerpark
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here