CONSTRUCTION works to build the new swimming pool and learner pool in Eston have officially started today (Monday 2 September).
Demolition of the old swimming pool is now complete meaning the build of a new facility designed to Sport England specifications will begin.
It will have a 25 metre, six lane pool with changing areas, a 150-seat spectator gallery, an official’s room for gala use and a Changing Places facility, which can be accessed via a new lobby.
The facility will also include a separate learner pool, welcoming children and young people to learn how to swim. Once opened, residents will have access to public swimming and swimming lessons as well as galas and competition swimming.
Contractors Willmott Dixon will generate local employment, apprenticeship and learning opportunities, support educational initiatives, and collaborate with local voluntary organisations.
The pool will be complete in early 2026, thanks to funding from the Government, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
Everyone Active will be the facility operator.
Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that work to build the new swimming pool and learner pool in Eston has started now that demolition is complete. We are delivering this project for the whole community, and we can’t wait for the facility to open.”
Cllr Ursula Earl, Cabinet Member for Health and Welfare at the Council, said: “Access to leisure and healthy pastimes play a significant role in improving our quality of life and improving our health and wellbeing. This new pool will not only benefit local residents, but it also brings the opportunity to increase swimming provision across the borough. We are particularly proud of the efforts to make the learner pool an inclusive space so sensory swim sessions can be held to allow neurodivergent children and adults the opportunity to enjoy swimming.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This new facility is something that people in Eston have long been waiting for, and it’s fantastic to see work’s kicking off to give the area the pool complex it deserves.
“We’re continuing to drive forward the transformative, large-scale projects of the future for the good of jobs and the economy. But this shows how our funding is helping communities big and small, the length and breadth of the region, bring their vital projects to fruition and improve everyone’s day-to-day lives.”
Nick Corrigan, northeast director for Willmott Dixon, said: “Our leisure sector experts bring a wealth of experience to Eston Pool and will ensure local people have a first-class health and wellbeing facility where generations of Eston children will learn to swim.
"We share Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's passion for changing lives and will deliver a bespoke Building Lives Academy, focussed entirely on creating opportunities for local people not in long-term employment.
“We are also committed to creating six new employment opportunities on the project, delivering more than 80 apprenticeship weeks and engaging with local school and college students.”
Paul Ayre, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “It’s fantastic that work has started on the new swimming pool and learner pool, which will enable us to better serve people across the local community.
“The state-of-the-art facilities will allow people of all ages and abilities to get active and improve their physical and mental health, both now and long into the future.”