THE demolition of Wokingham’s old Carnival Pool is now making rapid progress, with construction of the new fitness centre soon to follow.

The new centre, designed and to be built by the same company that built the £14 million Bulmershe Leisure Centre in Woodley, is set to begin construction following the complete demolition process, expected to be complete by the end of this summer.

ALSO READ: Wokingham Borough council never closed its markets - here's why

The new multi-million pound centre, expected to take around two years to complete, will feature two swimming pools (a six-lane 25m pool and teaching pool with moveable depth floor and splash pad), a larger fitness suite and specialist group cycling studio, large studios, a four-court sports hall, a

health and wellbeing centre, a larger café and viewing areas.

There will also be a large library including space for events and activities, a lending library, fun children’s zone and space for exhibitions.

ALSO READ: Binfield woman launches petition for traffic lights or stop sign at Malt Hill / Hayley Green junction

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “Demolishing the former centre is an important milestone in our ambitious project.

"Investing not only in sport and leisure but our library service is a priority for the council.

"We are also looking to ensure we tackle the climate emergency.

"In the coming weeks we will be looking at ways we could potentially tweak the design for the new complex to improve the energy efficiency of the building and minimise carbon emissions."