BASILDON Sporting Village has started work to revamp its pool changing rooms, as the much-anticipated reopening of its main swimming pool moves a step closer.

The centre's main pool will officially reopen to swimmers on Monday, 1 September following a major £1 million investment project to upgrade the pool floor.

The pool has been closed since April while contractors installed a new revolutionary moveable floor system and replaced the pool boom dividing barrier.

Everyone Active, which operates the centre in partnership with Basildon Borough Council, has used the closure as an opportunity to simultaneously upgrade the wet side changing facilities in a project that began on Monday.

The changing room improvements include a complete floor replacement, upgraded cubicles, new mirrors and vanity units, modern LED lighting throughout, fresh décor and improved ventilation, plus restoration of shower cubicles near the deep end - a popular feature removed during the pandemic.

Everyone Active Contract Manager, Shaun Beagle, said: "We'd like to thank all our customers for their patience during the pool closure - we know how much this facility means to local residents. Families have learned to swim here, athletes have trained here, and it's been a hub for our community for years.

"We've used this opportunity to tackle multiple improvements at once, not just upgrading the pool floor but also giving the changing rooms the refurbishment they need to cater for our high footfall. We're excited to unveil these improvements when we reopen in September."

The scale of the pool project was significant, starting with the careful draining of almost two million litres of water - a process that took a full week.

During the project, contractors completely dismantled and replaced both the pool boom and the entire floor system.

Over the past few weeks, the pool has been carefully refilled and specialist underwater contractors are now removing the temporary steel supports that were essential during construction.

The changing room project is scheduled for completion alongside the pool reopening in September.

To allow the works to be completed safely, the wetside changing rooms will close from Wednesday 23 July until the main pool reopens on 1 September. This temporary closure will only affect users of the teaching pool, which has remained open throughout the main pool refurbishment.

During this period, customers will be asked to use the dryside changing rooms, with a clearly marked route to the teaching pool in place.

Rubber matting will be laid down for safety and comfort, ensuring continued access to swimming lessons and family sessions.

To find out more, visit: www.everyoneactive.com/basildon-sporting-village-main-pool-refurbishment-closure/