The £1.3 million refurbishment of Ongar Leisure Centre's swimming pool will provide 5 – 7 years of “useful” life.

The Epping Forest District Council-owned centre faces a tight deadline to reopen the pool immediately after Christmas – although coronavirus restrictions may impact the opening of the centre.

Councillors were on hand last week to inspect the project’s progress.

Work is underway to replace the pool plant to increase energy efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

The roof is being refurbished, with new LED lighting installed and the electrical systems upgraded.

Budget permitting, the pool viewing area will be upgraded to improve the experience for parents watching their children’s swimming lessons.

Cllr Nigel Bedford, deputy leader and Shelly ward councillor, said: “Ongar Leisure Centre is a much-loved community facility in the northern part of our district and it is right that we should invest in the facility.

“Not only will the investment increase the life of the centre, but will bring excellent benefits in terms of increased energy efficiency.”

The visit was hosted by Peter Charman from the council’s leisure and car parking team with members of the contracts team on hand to answer questions from councillors.

Few councillors had seen the pool plant room before and many commented on how antiquated it looked.

Colin Cunningham from Places Leisure which runs the council’s leisure centres demonstrated just how small and efficient the new plant would be by comparison.

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