News

Rivermead Leisure Centre’s pools opening this summer

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2024

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Residents of Reading are well acquainted with the unpredictability surrounding project timelines under the administration of Reading Borough Council. Nevertheless, it has recently been announced that preparations are underway to fill the newly constructed swimming pools at Rivermead Leisure Centre in Reading, Berkshire, marking a significant step forward in the enhancement of local leisure amenities.

The ambitious endeavor is projected to span a 12-day period, during which approximately 1,700,000 liters of water will be introduced into the pools, laying the groundwork for an immersive aquatic experience for visitors.

Rivermead Leisure Centre, which unveiled its gym, studios, and soft play area to the public in July 2023, is now gearing up to further enrich its offerings with the imminent opening of the 25-meter main pool, a dedicated teaching and diving pool, and the exciting addition of a new splash pad, all set to be available for use during the upcoming summer season, as confirmed by the Reading Borough Council.

Enhancing the spectator experience, the facility boasts two seating areas capable of accommodating over 250 individuals, reflecting the council’s commitment to fostering community engagement through a £40 million investment in leisure infrastructure.

While the leisure center is under the ownership of the council, operational responsibilities rest with Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), operating under the Better brand, ensuring seamless management and service delivery.

Distinguished by its versatility, the primary eight-lane swimming pool features a partially movable floor, facilitating adjustments from poolside level to a depth of 1.8 meters (5.9 feet), catering to a diverse array of activities ranging from rehabilitative exercises to dynamic water aerobics.

Complementing this flagship pool is its counterpart, specially designated for instructional purposes, complete with a dive tower and springboard, promising an enriching aquatic education experience for learners of all ages.

Even as sections of the leisure center are already operational, including the well-appointed gymnasium, forthcoming amenities such as an accessible Changing Places room, equipped with a hoist, underscore the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the community.

Adele Barnett-Ward, overseeing leisure and cultural initiatives at Reading Borough Council, expressed anticipation regarding the impending public unveiling of the pools, emphasizing their pivotal role in promoting health and well-being within the community. She further highlighted the anticipated appeal of the splash pad, envisioned as a focal point for family recreation and enjoyment.

Symbolizing a moment of communal celebration, children from Oxford Road Community School congregated at the center to witness the inaugural flow of water into the expansive eight-lane pool, heralding a new era of aquatic leisure and recreation in Reading.

News

OLLY MURS plays READING – Palmer Park on Friday 13th June 2025!

Published

2 weeks ago

April 11, 2025

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Olly Murs fans, buckle up! The Palmer Park Summer Series is delighted to announce Olly Murs Live in Palmer Park, Reading on Friday 13th June 2025.

It’s 15 years since Olly exploded onto our screens, yet he is still more determined than ever about what’s next. With 7 successful albums, 5 of them reaching no.1, in excess of 2 million tour tickets sold, 7.6M monthly Spotify listeners & a combined following of over 27M across social media, Olly has so far had an incredible career as a singer, songwriter & TV personality.

2024 was also a busy year with Olly working 44 dates touring with Take That & finishing off the summer with a run of his own headliner gigs. Having just announced a summer tour in 2025,
Olly has another action-packed year ahead of him & will be celebrating his 15-year anniversary gigging all the hits as he travels down the road to Reading, Palmer Park with Legacy Live on Friday 13th June.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate 15 fantastic years of Olly Murs in Reading! Book your tickets now at www.legacylive.co Limited Tickets Available!

News

Host a Street Party This Summer – Apply Now for Free Road Closures in Reading

Published

3 weeks ago

April 4, 2025

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People are being encouraged to bring communities together this summer by holding their own street parties as part of The Big Lunch 2025.

This year’s celebrations are particularly significant, as they coincide with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day – a special opportunity to come together with neighbours in both celebration and commemoration.

Free Road Closures for Summer 2025 Street Parties

Reading Borough Council is once again supporting local events by covering the cost of road closure fees for street parties on any of the following weekends:

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June – The Big Lunch Weekend
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June – Armed Forces Day
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 July

How to Apply

To host a street party, residents must apply by Monday 21 April 2025. Applications must ensure the proposed road closure does not affect a main through-route or public transport route. Organisers are also asked to consult with neighbours, address any concerns, and ensure access for emergency services is maintained throughout the event.

You’ll need to provide:

Your name and contact details
The name(s) of the road(s) to be closed
The date and times of the closure
A list of the properties that will be affected
Details of how you will notify residents of the closure
Confirmation that neighbours are on board with the plans

So, roll out your bunting, get the trestle tables down from the loft, and start planning your perfect summer street party!

For more information and to submit your application, visit the Reading Borough Council website.

News

MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang shortlisted for women’s prize

Published

4 weeks ago

March 28, 2025

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MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang among shortlisted women for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction in 2025.

Yuan Yang, the MP for Woodley and Earley, wrote Private Revolutions: Coming of Age in a New China, while Oxford-based Dr Rachel Clarke wrote The Story of a Heart.

Ms Puri said the non-fiction works were “united by an unforgettable voice, rigour, and unique insight”.

The shortlist is rounded out by Dr Rachel Clarke’s The Story of a Heart, The Buffalo Stance singer’s A Thousand Threads, Chloe Dalton’s Raising Hare, Clare Mulley’s Agent Zo: The Untold Stories of Courageous WW2 Resistance Fighter Elzbieta Zawacka, and Helen Scales’ What the Wild Sea Can Be: The Future of the World’s Ocean.