The refurbishment of Chesham Moor Gym and Swim has been approved by Chesham Town Council at an extraordinary meeting.
Members voted to carry out a series of upgrades at site of Chesham’s popular lido, which dates back to 1912 with the gym added in 1985.
The £1.3 million package of improvements at the leisure facility will be paid for with money borrowed from the Public Works Loan Board over a period of 25 years.
The preliminary upgrades are set to include an expanded gym area with modern equipment, a new ‘changing village’ and a modern entrance area with a new community café.
The poolside area will also be refurbished, while accessibility for people with disabilities will also be improved and energy efficiency upgrades for reduced operating costs will also be carried out.
The council’s hopes of borrowing the money from the loan board are subject to approval by the Secretary of State.
Council plans state: “The upgraded facilities provide residents with improved opportunities for exercise, promoting physical fitness and overall well-being.”
They add: “Accessibility features ensure that the refurbished facility is inclusive and welcoming to individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
“The modernised amenities encourage community members to come together, socialize, and participate in recreational activities, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.”
The facility is currently ‘struggling to break even and so is subsidised by the precept’, according to the council.
It says that the age and condition of the site is now ‘hampering’ any membership growth.
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