YOU have less than three months left to make the most of Carnival Pool and Fitness Centre before it closes to make way for its multi-million-pound leisure replacement.
Work on the highly-anticipated new Carnival Complex will begin in the summer after the existing centre is knocked down following its planned closure on Sunday, May 10.
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The new leisure space, which will be run by Places Leisure, will feature two swimming pools, a large fitness suite and specialist cycling studio, a four-court sports hall, a health and wellbeing centre, space for children’s parties and more.
Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, Wokingham Borough Council’s regeneration boss, said: “It is fantastic news that the Carnival redevelopment will start this summer and will be, once complete, a fantastic state-of-the-art complex for all our residents to enjoy.
“Throughout the regeneration, we have spent a lot of time talking to people and understanding the types of things they would like to see in the town centre.
“Being able to deliver an amazing new facility like Carnival is a real win for everyone.”
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The early closure of Carnival Pool comes after WBC chiefs announced regeneration work on Bulmershe Leisure Centre (BLC) is expected to be complete 12 weeks ahead of schedule.
This means BLC will re-open on Wednesday, April 22, allowing builders to get to work on Carnival Pool.
Tony Penge, contract manager for Places Leisure, Wokingham, said: “We’re excited that our partners at Wokingham Borough Council will be investing to rebuild Carnival Pool and replace it with a brand new flagship leisure centre.
“The new plans will build on the great facilities that the local residents have enjoyed over the years at Carnival as well as bringing lots of new features.
“The new facility will build on the success of the current swim school and fitness provision, creating a first-class facility for future generations.”
A new library will also be part of the new space and will, along with local cultural groups, be able to host events, lectures and performances in the new sports hall which can seat up to 400 people.
Wokingham Library will continue to be based in its current location in Denmark Street until the new complex is ready to move into.
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The car park bowling alley and Burger King will remain open throughout the course of the works.
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