A once-popular leisure centre in Wokingham is entering its final phases of demolition, making way for new developments.

Carnival Pool Leisure Centre, Wellington Road, Wokingham, is soon to be demolished, after the Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) acquired the centre's neighbouring offices Southgate House.

This is to make way for the new centre, which will feature two swimming pools (a six-lane 25m pool and teaching pool with moveable depth floor and splash pad), a larger fitness suite and specialist group cycling studio, large studios, a four-court sports hall which can convert into a 400 seat performance venue; a spa, a health and wellbeing centre, larger café, and viewing areas.

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There will also be a large library including space for events and activities, a lending library, fun children’s zone and space for exhibitions.

The WBC made some last-minute minor changes in the planning application for the new facilities, hoping to further reduce the site's carbon footprint, once fully functional.

This includes design changes, installing air source heat pumps and additional solar panels to the building.

The council also confirmed that the changes will not compromise te facilities - the changes are to improve energy efficiency.

Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for regeneration, said: “These changes to the design of the new Carnival complex are being driven by our response to the climate emergency action plan.

"Our original designs were approved back in 2017 and, whilst the new building was energy efficient, we felt that more could be done.

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"Taking the time to review the designs has allowed us to significantly improve performance across the site, with the centre now achieving a massive 117 per cent carbon reduction above the government baseline target, compared to the original designs 13.2 per cent.

“This supports our ambitions to reduce carbon emissions from the complex, as well as reducing our operating costs.

"We remain committed to providing fantastic facilities for all our residents to enjoy and this new multi-million centre is an important facility not only for sport and leisure but the library service too."

Wokingham Library will continue to be open on Denmark Street until the new facilities are complete and ready to move into.