New leisure centre in Wokingham takes shape

The council has released pictures of the progress being made at the Carnival hub

Author: Jonathan RichardsPublished 14th Jan 2022

Work on Wokingham's new leisure centre, library and cultural space continues apace with the Carnival Hub beginning to take shape ready to open in the summer.

The hub will include swimming pools and a splash pad, spa area, a larger fitness suite, studio spaces, a four-court sports hall, cafe and a large library space.

The centre is also being fitted out with a range of specialist equipment such as tiered bleacher seating, lighting, and sound in the main hall to make it the ideal venue to hold cultural events.

Changing areas are being fitted out, stud walls are going up and underfloor heating is being installed in key areas such as the new library space. Both pools have now been tiled and a lift installed to make the main pool accessible for those with disabilities.

The teaching pool has also been fitted with a moveable floor allowing the pool depth to be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of classes and activities.

Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhoods and communities, said:

“A lot of time has been spent on getting the designs right, including engaging with the community on both the library and cultural uses. We’ve been using this feedback to help us design and fit out the internal spaces and are confident people will love the new hub which will offer all the things people love about their local library and community buildings in a great new space.”

During the coming months work will continue to fit out the inside of the space and people will also see more happening outside, as the new residential block starts to take shape and hard landscaping starts to go in around the Carnival Hub.

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