RCT Council has delivered a full refurbishment of the swimming pool building at Ferndale Community School, which is now open to the public having been transformed into a first-class facility for the community.
The Ferndale Swimming Pool has undergone an extensive £1m programme of works, including a complete internal remodelling with new changing rooms, shower and toilet facilities – along with a new fitness suite, viewing gallery and offices – all delivered as part of the Council’s Capital Programme investment.
The existing pool hall has also been improved with a new vapour control stretch ceiling, resin floor system and channel drainage to the pool perimeter. All electrical and mechanical installations are also completely renewed, with new comfort cooling and LED lighting throughout the 21st Century facility.
Externally, the building has benefited from new fully-insulated flat and pitched roof systems, while all external windows and doors have been replaced. The main entrance has also been upgraded, along with new car park markings.
The pool reopened to the public from Monday, June 28, for family fun swim sessions and lane swimming. Online bookings can be completed on the Leisure for Life App, with payments via the App or in person upon arrival. Walk-in customers are being accepted but admission is strictly based on availability due to limited numbers in line with COVID-19 guidance.
There are a number of necessary COVID-19 restrictions in place to ensure the safety of all visitors – including individual cubicles within the changing rooms, and cleaning of these and other shared spaces between sessions. The gym will remain closed, while schools swim sessions have not yet restarted.
The Council has delivered a full refurbishment of the swimming pool building at #Ferndale Community School, which is now open to the public having been transformed into a first-class facility for the community. Full details here: https://t.co/BO0RXXpLkj pic.twitter.com/LE7o9DeFfb
— RCT Council (@RCTCouncil) June 30, 2021
The Council is delighted the facility can resume hosting Rhondda Swimming Club sessions, with the club following its own Risk Assessment to ensure safety.
Councillor Joy Rosser, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Inclusion Services, said: “It is fantastic news that the swimming pool at Ferndale Community School can reopen to the public, following its £1m investment delivered by the Council. The pool is run by the school for the community, and I was delighted to visit their new facility this week to see the incredible transformation right throughout the building.
“This investment complements the 21st Century Schools project delivered at the school in 2020 – including new ICT suites, a new Design and Technology room, a refurbished Science laboratory and remodelling of the existing layout to create an additional classroom. The newly-refurbished pool will provide a fantastic venue for the school, and others in the local area, to have swimming lessons once it is possible and practical within the COVID-19 restrictions.”
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Heritage Services, added: “The superb new environment at Ferndale Swimming Pool is a significant upgrade on the previous offer, and the Council’s investment has delivered a first-class Leisure facility for the community. It has been delivered alongside the 3G ‘all-weather’ sports pitch, which the school and community have been enjoying since September 2018 thanks to the 21st Century Schools Programme.
“I’m very pleased that the new-look swimming pool is now open to members of the public, as well as Pontypridd Swim Club for several sessions a week. Bookings are now being accepted, and I’m sure all visitors who went to the old facility will agree that this is a fantastic, first-class upgrade for Rhondda Fach.”
Ferndale Community School Pool is being re-opened with the support of the Council’s Leisure for Life service, which is lending its expertise in booking systems, pool and fitness management and operating in a COVID-secure way.
While the Leisure for Life App is being used for pool bookings, please be aware it does not form part of the Leisure for Life membership offer. It is not included in your unlimited access. Anyone is free to use the pool on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Ferndale Community School pool has adopted the standard COVID-19 safety measures for customers. Swimmers must arrive swim-ready (bathers under their clothes) and undress poolside, placing their belongings into a numbered basket. At the end of the swim they will be directed to an allocated changing booth, which has the same number as their basket, to towel dry and dress. Showers and hairdryers are not in use at this time.
