Swindon's Health Hydro reopens today

Swindon's historic Health Hydro swimming pool and gym on Milton Road has reopened today (19 Jan).

The Grade II*-listed building closed in 2023 and has since undergone an initial phase of refurbishment (more below).

Earlier this morning representatives from Swindon Borough Council, GLL, Swindon Heritage Preservation Trust and other organisations visited the facility for a small ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the reopening (pictured above).

First swimmers take the plunge

Members of the public were up bright and early to try out the newly-refurbished swimming pool facilities early this morning.

Glenys Lock (pictured above with Council Leader, Councillor Jim Robbins) was the first person to take a dip in the pool.

The 78-year-old, who also teaches at the historic baths on Milton Road, has been swimming at the Hydro for over 50 years. When asked what she thought of the pool being back open again she said: “It’s wonderful, amazing.”

What’s available at the Health Hydro?

There’s plenty on offer at the Health Hydro. If you’re looking to visit the facility, you can enjoy: 

• swimming lessons 
• fitness classes 
• gym sessions 
• open swim sessions with or without lanes
• gym inductions and gym programmes
• Monthly memberships as well as pay as you go and on-the-day tickets are also available.

What work was done in the first phase?

More than £8.5m has been spent on the first phase of restoring the Health Hydro as contractor Beard improved the environmental aspects of the building (new insulation, new walls) as well as creating a new entrance, gym space and changing rooms.

Behind the scenes, new plant equipment has also been installed to ensure the building will run efficiently in the future.

As is common with projects in Grade II*-listed buildings, detailed early investigations highlighted challenges that required careful redesign to protect the Health Hydro’s heritage. The extensive safe removal of asbestos was also completed, ensuring the building is ready for future phases of restoration and continued community use.

Funding for the first phase has included grants from Historic England, money from the Government’s Towns Fund, Section 106 funding from developers and investment from the Council.

What does the future hold?

Future phases of restoration are planned for the Health Hydro. We’ve recently received planning approval and listed building consent for a second phase of works focused on the main pool hall, including improvements to the ventilation, accessibility and environmental performance, alongside further conservation of the building.

Although funding for this has yet to be secured, we’re working hard to identify funding options.