Waterside Pool in Ryde has completed a £300,000 refurbishment project, transforming its outdated changing rooms after 6 months of extensive improvement works.
The community facility secured Government funding through the Community Ownership Fund and combined it with its own reserves to bring the long-awaited project to life.
The works involved a complete overhaul of the ageing men’s and women’s changing rooms, as well as the full replacement of the roof – both of which had exceeded their life expectancy and were in urgent need of replacement.
Local firms Acorn Interiors, Tim Knight Roofing and ERMC were contracted to carry out the project, which began in early March. The changing areas were stripped back to its bare structure and rebuilt to create a modern, clean and comfortable environment for users.
The upgrade has included heated flooring with revised drainage, new ceilings with LED lighting, and improved ventilation throughout. All-new toilets, sinks, showers and vanity areas were installed, alongside refurbished lockers and modern changing cubicles. Additional features such as outdoor shoe storage and a water bottle refill station were also added.
The total cost of the project has exceeded £300,000. Centre managers say the upgrade would not have been possible within budget without continued support from customers during the period of disruption.
Looking ahead, the Charity is exploring further funding opportunities to refurbish other areas of the facility, including the disabled changing room, reception foyer and poolside areas.
Todd Miller, General Manager, has said:
“We really appreciate everyone’s support in bringing these projects to completion.
“The new changing rooms provide a vastly improved customer experience whilst at the Centre. Alongside the recent energy saving projects, it really helps to secure the future of the Centre for the local community.”
What on earth has that much money been spent on?
The building was already there to start with.
£300k on changing rooms?? Sounds a bit sus
They should have used the money to re-open the play area
by the boating lake.
It would save me having to drive all the way to East Cowes esplanade
with the grandchildren.
Come on Ryde you can do better.
It would be nice if they installed a large Ferris Wheel nr
Puckpool, what a view across the solent.
Good work. Nice to congratulate an Island facility for a change.
Someone made some serious money there!!! 300k? Could have rebuilt the place for less than that