Diss Swim Centre was officially re-opened today (Monday 13 January) following an investment, by South Norfolk Council, of nearly £4 million.
The centre was reopened by gold medal winning, British Paralympic swimmer Jessica-Jane Applegate and the Council’s Chair Sharon Blundell.
Staff are now welcoming members back to the centre showcasing the improvements that have been made, future-proofing the facility for many generations to come.
The improvement and refurbishment work included:
• Re-shaping and re-tiling the swimming pool area
• Expanding and improving changing rooms
• Improving the entrance lobby and reception
• Creating a new pool viewing area
The £4 million investment was helped by securing £1.2m of Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding from central government to reduce the carbon footprint of the Swim Centre. This included installing air source heat pumps, new building cladding and insulation and solar panels on the roof.
Cabinet member, Kim Carsok said: “This is a really exciting time for Diss. The new centre looks fantastic following the Council’s investment and we now have a specialist swim centre where our staff can concentrate on teaching children and adults how to swim. Giving our residents, especially the young, confidence around water is important and the ability to swim is a skill that might one day save your life.
“Swimming and aquafit classes have so many health benefits for people of all ages and is sometimes the only form of exercise available, especially for the elderly.
“I am really delighted that the first part of our plan for Diss is now complete and residents will see we have started work on the old John Grose site, where we will deliver a new Community and Leisure Centre for the town.”
The initial plans for the new Community and Leisure Centre include a Changing Places room, a dedicated spin studio, multi-use studio and changing area on the ground floor, while the first floor will be largely dedicated to a gym with fantastic views over the Mere.
The new building will be sympathetically designed to fit seamlessly into its surroundings and be consistent with the existing buildings. The current designs include air-source heat pumps, PV (solar) installation and works to achieve BREEAM Excellent standard.
As part of the Council’s on-going engagement with local residents, South Norfolk Council will be holding public consultations to present its vision for the site.
