Health Hydro Refurbishment Draws Near
As we turn the corner into spring, it will be a very different type of “spring clean” for the Health Hydro as the centre enters the final month before closing for major refurbishment works.
The historic swimming baths on Milton Road have been in need of an update for a long time and, thanks to funding from the Government’s Towns Fund, GLL, and Swindon Borough Council, the facility will close in April to allow the initial regeneration work to progress.
This first phase of work will include:
- Enhancing the leisure and swim experiences
- Creating a new gym and activity space
- Creating modern, fit for purpose and accessible changing facilities
- Creating a direct access link between the Turkish Baths and new changing facilities
- Replacement and upgrading of mechanical, electrical and plumbing plant systems
- Enabling the full restoration once further funds become available
Completing the first phase is seen as an important catalyst for future funding bids to restore the remainder of the Health Hydro, including the Turkish baths, small pool hall; and Dispensary and dry-side areas.
The Health Hydro is recognised as the first sustained experiment in socialised health care and was regarded as so revolutionary for the time that it was visited by Nye Bevan and William Beveridge who were the architects of the National Health Service.
The building’s listing was upgraded to Grade II* in November 2019, in recognition of its significant architectural and historical value, placing the building in a group of just six per cent of listed buildings in the country.
The regeneration of the centre is also seen as a major step forward for Swindon’s railway village and Heritage Action Zone, which will deliver enhancements to key historic buildings and spaces, including; the Cricketers, the Carriage Works, the Mechanics’ Institute and GWR Park.
We’re committed to keeping our members and swim school pupils moving by supporting the interim use of other Better centres across the town. Members will automatically have their membership upgraded from 1st April at no extra cost, meaning they can book a swim, gym or fitness class at any of our Better centres across Swindon as part of their existing membership; and will be able to keep fit, healthy active whilst we work to improve Health Hydro.
It’s anticipated that March will be a busy month as users get their final activities in before the centre closes on 1st April for up to 18-months!
Our other centres will remain open and available to all with the pools and Link and Haydon, and the gyms at Link, Dorcan and Haydon. A full list of our facilities and activities can be found here: Leisure Centres, Gyms & Swimming Pools in Swindon | Better
We really look forward to inviting you back in 2024 to a restored and fit for purpose Health Hydro, please keep an eye out for updates on our website as the project develops