Interserve has started work on a £1.7 million swimming pool repair and maintenance project for Southampton City Council. The project will return Oaklands Swimming Pool to full working order for local residents in the Lordshill area by early 2015.

Following mechanical issues with the pipes feeding the pool, Southampton City Council was forced to close it in 2012. Interserve's work, which will largely be unseen by the public, will predominantly focus on repairing the mechanical and electrical systems within the building to restore the effective functioning of the pool.

Interserve will also be making improvements to changing cubicles, administration areas and toilets. In addition, the company will undertake an extensive external works package including roof repairs, remediation of surface and foul drain services and enlargement of the car park for pool users.


Commenting on the scheme, Craig Senior, Interserve's Site Manager said: "Southampton City Council is very keen to ensure that local companies are used for this project. Accordingly, our Southampton office was best placed to take on the project. We will be replacing the filtration and filling system of the pool. Originally it was drained by means of a sump located at the bottom of the pool. However, with pipework having corroded, we will be routing new pipework alongside the pool, which represents the value engineering element of this project. The project will see us create nine structural openings around the perimeter of the pool surround through a 400mm thick reinforced slab in order to fit new pipework. The challenge of this part of the project will be to support the area properly while the fill is removed. Much work will also be done in the pool's adjacent plant room in order to improve its efficiency."

(CD/MH)