THE LAGOON area at Basingstoke’s Aquadrome is set to reopen tomorrow after being closed when asbestos was found earlier this year.

The work carried out at the lagoon area has now been completed and following an inspection, it will reopen on Friday, October 29 to allow families to enjoy the facility once again.

But the splash and play facilities, and the flumes, will remain closed for further maintenence. 

As previously reported by the Gazette a routine survey was carried out earlier this year, which found essential work was needed to protect the lagoon's steel structure and internal and external wall panels from the high humidity in these areas.

But further in-depth surveys in preparation for that work to start identified other issues with the panels, including the presence of asbestos in some older parts of the walls behind the panels.

The council were unable to find a contractor to complete work to replace panels, delayed further by the "added complication" of asbestos, in time to open the lagoon and flumes in line with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions earlier this year.

As a result, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, which owns the building, kept the lagoon and flumes areas closed.

Asbestos is not harmful unless it is disturbed and must be removed by specially-trained professionals. Moving it can cause fibres to be released into the air, which if inhaled can cause lung disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Cllr Rebecca Bean said that work has been carried out as quickly as possible.

She said: “We are pleased that we are now able to reopen the lagoon area. Although the flumes and splash and play area remain closed while work continues, we hope families will enjoy the extra facilities alongside the popular inflatable fun sessions that have been introduced in the main pool.

“Our contractors have been working as quickly as they can and I would like to thank them, as well as the Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust and Serco for their work to improve the family offer while this important work continues.”

Hazel Tilbury, chairperson of the Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust, added: “We are pleased to be able to offer the leisure waters back to the community, thanks to all the staff and contractors for their efforts in reopening at such an important time.”

The splash and play facilities and the flumes will remain closed as further investigation and maintenance work continues in these areas.

For more information on The Aquadrome, visit: www.basingstokeleisure.com/basingstoke-aquadrome/