Wokingham Carnival Hub development taking shape

Pictures of the Carnival Hub development reveal the hug leisure centre works underway in Wokingham.

Plans include a new leisure centre, library and 'cultural space' and Wokingham Borough Council as said it expects to open the site in summer 2022.

Carnival Hub main pool

Once open, it will include swimming pools and a splash pad, a spa area, a larger fitness suite, studio spaces, a four-court sports hall, cafe, and large library space.

The council said 'specialist facilities' also include tiered bleacher seating, and lighting in the main hall to make it suitable for cultural events.

So far, work is complete on the external cladding and the focus has turned to inside the development.

Changing areas are being fitted out, stud walls are going up and underfloor heating is being installed in key areas such as the new library space. Both pools have now been tiled and a lift installed to make the main pool accessible for those with disabilities.

The council's executive member for environment and leisure Parry Batth said: “In recent years we’ve invested heavily in new and improved leisure facilities for our residents across the borough. We are sure the new hub will prove a real hit, like the new Bulmershe leisure centre in Woodley when we opened it in 2020.

"As work has moved inside you can really see the centre start to take shape and understand what a fantastic space this will be and how it will help us offer a much wider range of activities than before.”

Carnival Hub sports hall

Councillor Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhoods and communities, added: “A lot of time has been spent on getting the designs right, including engaging with the community on both the library and cultural uses.

"We’ve been using this feedback to help us design and fit out the internal spaces and are confident people will love the new hub which will offer all the things people love about their local library and community buildings in a great new space."