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Two years after its closure, a Grade II listed swimming pool finally has a reopening date.
It has been undergoing renovations, enhancing its Victorian structure at a cost of £6.5 million.
The Health Hydro pool in Swindon has been closed for the past two years
It has been undergoing improvements to its listed Victorian building
Swindon’s Health Hydro on Milton Road has announced it will reopen on January 19, 2026.
Enhancements to the facility include new features, a redesigned entrance hall, and a gym and activity space.
The website states: “The Health Hydro has been closed while the first phase of major refurbishment was carried out.
“It is now preparing to welcome back swimmers and gym users to refreshed spaces in the beloved historic property when it reopens in the new year.”
The initial plans for the Health Hydro's renovation began in 2018.
Work on the 33-meter hydro pool commenced in 2023, initially projected to take 18 months.
The site was expected to open in 2025, but the timeline was extended due to unforeseen challenges such as redesigning and preserving its listed structure and the removal of asbestos.
Not all areas of the facility will reopen, as the site’s Turkish Baths are still undergoing renovations and will remain closed.
SBC councillor Marina Strinkovsky described the Health Hydro as a “unique and historic building” that required careful and safe work.
The pool first opened more than 130 years agoCredit: Swindonstory.uk
She added: “The result is a facility that’s ready to welcome people back, with significant improvements already in place. I’m truly looking forward to seeing swimmers and gym users enjoying the Hydro once again.
“And while this reopening marks a major milestone, we’re continuing to work diligently to secure funding for the next phases of restoration.”
There may be additional work carried out on the pool as the Swindon Borough Council website reveals plans for the ‘Main Pool Hall Restoration’.
These plans were submitted in August 2025, and if approved, would commence in 2027.
Further improvements may also be made to the Small Pool, Turkish Baths, Dispensary, and dry-side areas of the Health Hydro.
The pool opened over 130 years ago and was built with contributions from workers who donated part of their wages to fund the project.
The washing baths were established in 1891, with the Turkish and Russian baths added in 1904.
This abandoned Victorian church has been transformed into one of the UK’s most beautiful swimming pools...
In the London Borough of Redbridge, the Claybury Hospital, designed by a Victorian architect, operated between 1893 and 1997, closing due to a decreasing number of patients after the introduction of the NHS.
Subsequently, the estate, known as Repton Park, was converted into a residential area featuring flats, parks, and, of course, a health club.
Virgin Active owns the gym on the red brick estate, which houses a large pool in what was once the on-site chapel.
Inside, you will find a 24-meter pool, along with showers, a hot tub, and a steam room.
What was once the old confessional box has even been transformed into a sauna.
Apart from being filled with water, the church retains its original features, including large archways, stained glass windows, and a vaulted ceiling.
One visitor remarked on Yelp: “When I first entered the pool, I was truly taken aback and quite mesmerized – it felt a little sacrilegious, but at the same time, I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Another commented: “The pool area is stunning. It feels so luxurious – being in a converted church, the original features create a magical atmosphere for swimming or enjoying the spa pool.”
Plus, find out more about this unique swimming experience.
And the excitement surrounding the reopening of the Health Hydro.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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