Harrogate Borough Council wants to build a new two-storey extension to The Hydro swimming pool as part of a major refurbishment of the ageing facility.
The council has submitted a planning application this week to upgrade the building, which opened in 1999 and replaced Coppice Valley pool.
The council is proposing to demolish the current ‘drum’ entrance and replace it with a larger structure that includes a bigger café and reception area on the ground floor and a new 400 square metres fitness suite on the first floor.
Plans also include a refurbishment of the changing rooms and pool hall. Five electric vehicle charging points would also be added.
The Stray Ferret asked the council how much the works will cost, and whether it will affect opening hours at the pool, but we did not receive a response at the time of publication.
The Hydro’s ‘drum’ entrance would be demolished and replaced.
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The application has received the backing of Sport England, which said:
“An improved and modern leisure facility in this sustainable location delivers a series of benefits, including increasing the opportunity for physical activity, increasing membership and usage and encouraging better interaction with the facilities and services on offer”.
Other Hydro projects
There are now several building projects underway at The Hydro.
In July, the council confirmed it is to buy a new diving platform to replace the damaged one that has kept divers out of the pool for eight months.
This month, the council was also given approval for 420 solar panels to be installed on the roof of the pool.
The Hydro is now run by Brimhams Active, a new arm’s length leisure company set up by the council this year. It has taken over the running of 12 leisure facilities in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Pateley Bridge.
