Storm damage to St Luke’s pool has given the council the opportunity to restore its Victorian roof to its original glory.
The pool’s roof was badly damaged in the January storms, and the pool has been closed since.
But the council-appointed contractor began work on July 14, and is expected to take 14 weeks to complete repairs.
The pool’s website explains: “The project involves replacing all of the old polycarbonate roof panels with new double glazed units, permanently removing the damaged suspended ceiling and upgrading the air handling system.
“By removing the ceiling and opening up the roof space, this historic Victorian pool will be transformed back to its original state providing a new light and airy space for swimmers to enjoy.”
“The project is scheduled to take 14 weeks and so we anticipate the pool remaining closed until mid-October.
“Unfortunately, the storm damage that St Luke’s pool suffered earlier this year has proven difficult to rectify.
“The roof panels that were broken in the storm also damaged the integrity of the suspended ceiling over the pool.
“Both of these issues together with the difficult access of working at height over a swimming pool (which is 110 years old) have all combined to require an extended closure of the pool.
“The council and Freedom Leisure [which runs the pool] are grateful for the continued patience of St Luke’s Swimming Pool users and we look forward to re-opening the new-look facility in the autumn.”
