The long-awaited refurbishment of the Bristol South Pool in Dean Lane, Bedminster, is now underway.

It had been hoped that the works could be started in December 2009, as the number of people using the pool tends to be lower at that time of the year, but due to delays in the planning process for the Grade II listed building, the works had to be delayed. 

The refurbishment means that the pool will be upgraded to meet the standards required under disability discrimination legislation. The first phase of the project will focus on internal works and include:

• redecoration of the existing shower/toilet areas

• installation of a disabled changing/toilet/shower facility and hoist to assist disabled users into/out of the pool

• redecoration of the foyer, including the lowering of the counters

• installation of a disabled entrance with a ramp

• reconfiguration of cubicles to include mother/toddler/family changing facilities

• redecoration of the ceilings above the changing cubicles

Roof repairs and minor building repairs will also be carried out now. Further works scheduled for the second phase of the project include the removal of the wall located on Dean Lane in order to provide a drop-off area and disabled parking.

Bristol South Pool had previously been threatened with closure but was reprieved when Bristol City Council agreed to spend £200,000 on refurbishing the historic swimming pool.