ONE of the borough's few public swimming pools is undergoing an £800,000 revamp as part of a drive by Harrow Council to get more people active.
Following consultation with residents, the council has agreed to stump up £225,000 to help renovate Hatch End Community Pool.
The Uxbridge Road facility was earmarked as a centre in desperate need of a makeover and the remainder of the cash has been invested by Sport England.
A revamp is already under way and the money will help to fund a new reception and entrance area, dedicated changing rooms for disabled people and their carers, new separate male and female changing rooms and improved disabled access. It will also pay for cycle racks to promote green travel and an upgraded disinfectant system.
The centre is one of just three public pools in the borough and the council was keen to carry out the renovation to coincide with Harrow's free swim scheme, launched in April last year, to give under-16s and over-60s the chance to swim for free for three years. More than 41,000 residents have already taken advantage of the scheme, and it is hoped that the reopening of Hatch End's pool, scheduled for late April, will bring yet more free swim-mers through the doors.
The facilities are closed to the public while the work is being carried out. Customers have been notified in advance and are being encouraged to use the facilities at Harrow Leisure Centre.
Councillor Jean Lammiman, portfolio holder for community and cultural services, said: "Hatch End Pool was in need of a revamp, so we have listened to users who have told us what they want to see.
"This is going to be a fantastic, new, family-friendly facility which will also have better access for our disabled residents.
"We hope the revamp will encourage people in the borough to visit in big numbers - especially those eligible to swim for free."
