£21m revamp options for Haggerston pool

Hackney Council has outlined three options to redevelop the derelict Haggerston swimming pool in the London borough, including an idea to turn the facility into a GP’s surgery and hydrotherapy centre.

The two other plans involve either turning the site into a diving pool or turning it into events and conference spaces with a restaurant and bar.

Each option includes the retention of the 25m pool and the curved pool hall structure.

The pool has been closed since 2000 due to high maintenance costs, but has been the subject of a local campaign – led by the Haggerston Pool Community Trust and backed by Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew and ex-sports minister Kate Hoey – that has lobbied for it to reopen.

A feasibility study was carried out between May and December last year, which estimated that capital costs of redeveloping the pool would be £21m.

However, that figure is based on preliminary sketches rather than detailed designs and does not include, among other things, asbestos removal.

A final decision will be subject to further investigation into the viability of the project, which in itself will carry a cost of £80,000, the results of which will be presented to the council next February. Details: www.hackney.gov.uk