Swim centre facelift makes initial splash

As part of a £400k project at Water Meadows Swimming Complex, the former café has been transformed into a family changing area, increasing the number of family changing cubicles from seven to ten.

The new family changing rooms were officially opened by Cllr Philip Shields, the authority’s portfolio holder for the environment, along with representatives from Mansfield District Leisure Trust which manages the centre.

Work to modernise the existing changing area will begin in the New Year. Private double cubicles will increase from six to thirty-one and disabled changing units from one to two. There will also be improvements to showers, toilet facilities and replacement ceilings and lighting.

The improved changing facilities will enable greater numbers of people to use the Water Meadows complex, particularly families, 14 to 25 year olds and swimmers having lessons.

The project has been funded by a £195,850 grant from Sport England, with the remaining costs paid by Mansfield District Council and Mansfield District Leisure Trust.

Cllr Shields said: “We’re delighted to have secured this money from Sport England to improve the changing facilities, as the current provision is limited, dated and in need of refurbishment.”

“The popularity of Water Meadows has resulted in constant queues for the family changing units at busy times. The introduction of additional units will go a long way to improving the customer experience and supporting the future growth of this very successful complex.”