A SWIMMING pool in Tadley is set to get a £200,000 makeover that will benefit a wide range of customers.

The improvement project at Tadley Swimming Pool, in New Road has been given the green light after Sport England agreed to put in £150,000 from its “Improvement Fund” grant scheme.

In addition, Serco Leisure, which manages the facility, has agreed to provide £50,000 for the project.

As part of the scheme, the changing village, lockers, toilets and vanity areas will be refurbished, and provision will be made for disabled users at the swimming pool.

In addition, a clean-up and re-grouting of floor tiles, changing of cubicles and shower fittings, improvement of lighting and ventilation, new hand dryers and soap dispensers, six new coin-operated hair dryers, and new bench seating and coat rails will be installed.

The improvement project is taking place as it has been noted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, which owns the building, that the changing facilities no longer meet customer need.

Councillor Cathy Osselton, borough council cabinet member for partnerships, said: “I am delighted to see this scheme come forward.

“It will improve Tadley Pool for the benefit of all users, but in particular for the many older and disabled people who take part in swimming.”

Sport England’s property director Charles Johnston added: “We know people have a better experience of sport when they have good facilities.

“The investment will ensure the people of Basingstoke and Deane will be able to develop a sporting habit for life in a first-class, environmentally-friendly sports facility.”