Repairs in pipeline as Lewsey Pool prepares to reopen

The pool was forced to close at the start of the March 2020 lockdown when a leak and serious plant failures were identified, making it unsafe for the general public.

The council has also worked with Active Luton to secure £150k of National Lottery funding to refurbish the main entrance and reception area and viewing gallery, along with refurbishment of the changing rooms to make them Covid-secure.

The works are expected to begin in the next few weeks and the council hopes the refurbished facility will be able to reopen in late spring/early summer 2021.

The precise reopening date will depend on how quickly the works are completed, as well as any Covid-restrictions at the time.

Cllr Khtija Malik, portfolio holder for public health, said: “We are pleased that plans are in place to reopen Lewsey Park Pool and that we could secure the external investment, which will not only make the centre Covid-safe, but also see welcomed improvements to the look and feel of the building.

“This news will be particularly welcomed by local users as other Active Luton sites are difficult to get to by public transport and other pools in the surrounding area do not have an equivalent concessionary programme.”

Helen Barnett, chief executive of Active Luton, added: “We’re delighted that plans to reopen Lewsey Park Pool are in place.

“The National Lottery funding from Sport England’s community asset fund has also made a huge difference to making the re-opening possible, given the importance of Covid-secure places to enable physical activity to continue safely.

"We’re very excited to recommence our much-loved sessions at Lewsey Pool and welcome any comments on what you’d like to see on the programme this summer and beyond.

“Maybe you’re a local resident and have never used the pool before – what would encourage you to visit? We’d love to hear from the local community who can email [email protected] ”