In the news: Cabinet to discuss proposals to replace swimming pool floor at Basildon Sporting Village

Basildon Sporting Village is operated under contract by Sports and Leisure Management (SLM) who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the centre, operating under the brand of Everyone Active.

Basildon Sporting Village opened in May 2011 and the 50-metre competition pool has been a major part of the facility's offering. The centre offers a wide range of activities for the local community, whilst serving as a base for competitive swimming in the area. It also hosted the Japanese swimming teams for their training prior to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The moveable swimming pool floor is the largest moveable floor in the country - 50 metres long and 20 metres wide, and is operated by a series of winches and pullies that are installed along the underneath of the poolside. The moveable floor has not been used to its full capacity for a number of years due to a fault in its lifting and lowering mechanism.

The proposals include installing a new floatable, moveable floor which operates on a hydraulic system. The works are expected to take approximately 16 weeks with a full pool closure, commencing in April 2025. The other facilities at the Sporting Village will not be affected and will be open as normal throughout this period.

Councillor Jeff Henry, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, Leisure, Arts and Culture said "We want Basildon to be home to healthy and active local communities. Basildon Sporting Village is located in the heart of Basildon and welcomes over one million visitors a year. The centre is home to fantastic facilities including the Olympic sized swimming pool and a submersible platform lift known as a 'Poolpod' - providing access to the pool for those who need additional assistance.

"The proposals to replace the swimming pool floor will enable the pool to operate to its full potential and enhance the facilities on offer. I look forward to reviewing the proposals at Cabinet next week"

Read the full agenda here - www.basildonmeetings.info/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=297&MId=7746  and watch the meeting live on Basildon Council's YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/basildoncouncil

Ends

Published 7 March 2024