THE final phase of essential maintenance work on the flume tower at Basingstoke Aquadrome has begun.
During the project, which has seen work carried out to protect the flume tower steel structure and internal and external wall panels from the high humidity levels, further structural work was identified that needs to be completed before the flumes can reopen.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, which owns the Basingstoke Aquadrome building, has been working closely with its contractor to progress the final phase of work as soon as possible.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s cabinet member for resident services Cllr Rebecca Bean said: “I am pleased that the final phase of this important work is starting as this will ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the range of activities at the Aquadrome while we develop plans for a modernised facility.
“While planning the structural work required on the flume tower, we have been working closely with Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust and Serco to carry out further work to improve the visitor experience at the Aquadrome including a deep clean of the facilities, new environmentally-friendly showers and replacing the rocks and foliage in the lagoon area.
“We would like to apologise for the disruption these temporary measures will cause but hope that visitors will understand the need to keep other visitors and our workforce safe.”
Construction work to replace the external panels on the flume tower at this popular facility began on Monday, May 23.
The other areas of the Aquadrome, including the 25 and 20-metre swimming pool, lagoon and gym facilities, are still open while this work takes place. The flumes will remain closed.
For the safety of visitors and those carrying out the work, the work area will be extended to the front of the Aquadrome building to allow deliveries to be made to the site safely. TIn pictures: Police launch murder investigation after man in his 30s diesIn pictures: Police launch murder investigation after man in his 30s dieshis will mean a number of car park spaces located between the Aquadrome and Hollywood Bowl will be unavailable for general use from Monday, July 11 for approximately seven weeks.
Parking spaces in this area will be prioritised for disabled blue badge holders and bus pick drop off and pick up points to allow services to continue to run through the park during the works. Signage will be in place to direct visitors.
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The final phase of this essential maintenance work is due to be completed in October, with the flumes expected to reopen in time for the October half term.
Hazel Tilbury, chair of the Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust, added: “I’m delighted that we’re in the final phase of the project to reintroduce our much-loved flumes at the Aquadrome. We can’t wait to see hundreds of happy faces riding the slides once more.
“While this essential work is carried out, it’ll be business as usual at the centre with all our other attractions open for customers, including our gym, swimming pools, workout classes and more.”
For more information on The Aquadrome, visit basingstokeleisure.com/basingstoke-aquadrome/.
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