The Grade II* listed building will reopen to the public on Monday 19 January 2026, following the first phase of a major refurbishment programme. While much of the work is not immediately obvious at first glance, the tour revealed a building that has been carefully reset for long term use rather than quick wins.
One of the most striking changes is the gym area, which has undergone a complete rejuvenation. The previous layout, which required users to navigate stairs, bridges and awkward level changes added decades ago, has been replaced with flat, continuous access throughout. This significantly improves usability for people with mobility issues, prams, or anyone who previously struggled with the building’s layout.
The new gym will operate on a membership price of £38 per month which includes pool use.
New changing rooms are another clear upgrade. What was once an external courtyard has been fully enclosed and rebuilt to create modern, spacious facilities. For the first time, the Health Hydro now includes fully accessible changing rooms, with hoist beds, accessible showers and toilets, opening the building to parts of the community who were previously unable to use it.
A large proportion of the investment has gone into plant equipment and infrastructure rather than visible finishes. During the tour, project leads were clear that this work is essential to support future phases of restoration, particularly in a building of this age and heritage status. Much of it sits out of sight, but it is what allows the wider vision for the Hydro to remain viable.
The Turkish Baths remain closed for now. Work is ongoing, with roof repairs already funded, and further restoration planned. It is hoped they will reopen later in 2026, subject to funding and the complexity of the conservation work required. The long term ambition is for the baths to form part of a broader health, wellbeing and spa style offer, but this will be delivered in stages.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said the reopening marked an important milestone for the building.
“The Health Hydro is one of Swindon’s most important historic buildings, and this first phase has been about doing things properly,” she said. “A huge amount of care has gone into making the building safer, more accessible and ready for the future, even where that work isn’t immediately visible.
“Reopening in January means people can return to using the pool and gym, while we continue to work on securing funding and plans for the next phases, including the Turkish Baths.”
While swimmers and gym users will notice immediate improvements when the doors reopen, the tour made clear that this phase has been about laying foundations. Energy efficiency upgrades, conservation recording and plant investment all form part of a longer term strategy to bring the Health Hydro fully back to life.
For now, the January reopening signals a return to regular use, and a first chance for residents to step back inside a building that has been carefully prepared for the decades ahead.
