TADLEY swimming pool is set to undergo a green transformation – thanks to a grant of £150,000 of National Lottery funding.

The money, from Sport England’s Improvement Fund, will help to fund the refurbishment of the changing facilities, the installation of a new accessible changing facility and the installation of LED lighting along with water saving urinals, high-efficiency toilets, hand basins and showers, and new cubicles and lockers.

The initiatives are designed to reduce energy expenditure, reduce water consumption and provide a more comfortable and pleasant changing environment for users of the pool.

They will also contribute towards the Climate Change Strategy set out by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Councillor Robert Donnell, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “The borough council is committed to encouraging and supporting residents, community groups and businesses to reduce their carbon emissions across the borough by 15 per cent by 2017.

“This grant is a terrific result of partnership working to prepare and plan for the impacts of climate change, and will also make Tadley pool a more pleasant and modern amenity for its many users.”

Sport England property director Charles Johnston said: “We know people have a better experience of sport when they have good facilities in which to play.

“This 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.”

Hazel Tilbury, chair of Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust, said that visitors to leisure facilities in the borough had been increasing steadily over the last decade.

She said: “Over the last three years, we have seen a steady increase in the number of visitors coming through the doors of our leisure facilities.

“We think this is partly due to wider economic recovery, but also due to the decision of local residents to spend their money on their health at good, value for money, affordable leisure facilities.

“We assist by offering a variety of tailored workout classes, gym equipment and swim sessions to suit all ages and abilities, including disabled visitors.

“The funding received by Sport England for Tadley Swimming Pool is just one example of our commitment to continuously improving the facilities and services we offer to our customers.”