Audio interviews from the opening day:
The reopening marks the end of the first phase of work, which has seen the main pool restored, a significantly larger gym added and facilities upgraded throughout, while preserving the building’s historic character.
Jim Roberts, Director of Fourth Street and lead on the project, said the reopening was a significant moment.
“It’s a momentous occasion to finally see the doors reopen,” he said. “I dipped in this morning and I was impressed straight away. The water felt really pure. People who knew this place before are going to see a significant difference.”
He said early feedback from visitors had been very positive.
“Everyone that steps through the doors is impressed with what they see. There’s such a stark improvement in the facilities, and there’s a real change in how people are responding to heritage buildings like this.”
Roberts also highlighted the craftsmanship revealed during the restoration.
“The bricks and the glaze really stand out. When you see them in such vast quantities, the quality is incredible. It’s proper Victorian detail.”
The Mayor of Swindon, Fay Howard, said the project had successfully combined old and new.
“It’s wonderful how they’ve kept the heritage building while providing modern facilities,” she said. “Having a gym like this in the town centre should bring new people in. It looks fantastic.”
The centre is operated by Better, part of GLL, with Partnership Manager Barnaby Rich pointing to improved accessibility.
“We now have level access from the front entrance all the way through,” he said. “That’s a huge step forward for disabled users or those who may not have been able to come here before. The changing rooms are completely new, warm and comfortable, and we’ve added a large, modern gym that simply didn’t exist here previously.”
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning at Swindon Borough Council, said one of the biggest changes was unseen.
“The filtration system is groundbreaking,” she said. “It means the water is much less chlorinated. You won’t see it, but you’ll notice how clear and fresh the pool feels.”
Council leader Jim Robbins said reaction from long-standing users had been striking.
“They knew the pool of old and they couldn’t believe the change,” he said. “It feels like a modern leisure centre, but with all the heritage still there. It feels like somewhere special.”
He said the project could set a template for other restorations.
“This feels like a really big step for Swindon. We’ve brought back a historic building into a sensible modern use, and we want to learn from this and apply it to other heritage projects.”
South Swindon MP Heidi Alexander said the reopening would be meaningful for many residents.
“This place has a very special place in people’s hearts,” she said. “To see it restored and feeling so majestic again is a really special moment.”
Peter Bundy, Chief Executive of GLL, said the work showed heritage buildings could still meet modern needs.
“Customers will see that the heritage has been protected, but it’s paired with modern changing rooms, fitness and wellness facilities. The two can live side by side.”
Further work, including the restoration of the Turkish Baths, is planned as part of a later phase, with partners seeking additional funding.
For now, the reopening signals the return of a much-loved Swindon institution, restored for modern use while remaining rooted in the town’s history.
