Contractors are to start construction work on a new leisure project at Palmer Park in Reading.

The Council's £40million investment in modern leisure facilities for the town, include delivering two new pools, a modern leisure centre and improvements to existing leisure facilities, by spring 2023.

At Palmer Park, in addition to the refurbishment of the existing stadium building, there will be:

• A modern new 25 metre, 6-lane community pool

• A 100-station gym with three studios

• An activity zone for children with party rooms

• A new café and information hub.

From 02 August, phase 1 of the Palmer Park construction will get underway and complete by the end of September. The initial focus will be on creating the new overflow carpark / coach drop off, then moving on to removing the single-story front entrance.


During the first phase, the area of work will be surrounded by Heras fencing for the safety of the public. The contractors working on the construction will aim to keep disruption to stadium, sports, clubs and park users to a minimum. There will be regular updates provided on any impact to the existing car parking at the stadium during the construction.

In phase 2, major work will begin on the construction of the new swimming pool, changes to the existing entrance and the creation of the new café and information hub space.

The new community pool and facilities will open to the public in late 2022.

Work is anticipated to start at the Rivermead site on 30 August after the Reading Festival.

The new Rivermead facilities will include:

• 25m 8-lane competition pool, with moveable pool floor

• Splash pad for younger users

• Diving pool with moveable pool floor

• 25m 5 lane club/swim lesson pool (demountable pool)

• A café, information hub, and soft play

There will also be improvements at South Reading and Meadway leisure centres starting later this year.