WORK is underway on a £250,000 revamp of Wiveliscombe’s outdoor swimming pool with a completion target of early next April ready for the start of the 2026 season.

The project includes a new pavilion providing a warm area for swimmers and spectators and aims to make Wivey Pool ‘fit for the future’.

The pool, a registered charity run by volunteers, will mark its centenary in 2027 and the committee wants to ensure it can survive for another 100 years.

The multi-functional Pool House will offer a warm, welcoming communal space which can also be used independently of the swimming pool when needed.

There will be a room for children to learn vital lifesaving skills, and a dry-side training area for staff and lifeguards.

It will house an accessible toilet which will also be available for anybody using the neighbouring war memorial recreation ground, for which Wiveliscombe town councillors have made a £30,000 grant.

Contractors Benjamin Henry Ltd, of Taunton, have made rapid progress since moving on site last month with the pool’s old sheds and shop already demolished and the framework going up for the new building.

The 21 feet high pavilion will include a roof terrace accessible from the poolside for spectators to relax and enjoy views of the pool.

A Wivey Pool spokesperson said the accessible toilet alongside a new pool hoist would make visits significantly more convenient and enjoyable for people with limited mobility.

The spokesperson said: “As we approach our 100th anniversary, we are looking ahead to ensure Wivey Pool remains a vibrant and welcoming space for years to come.

“We want more people to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of swimming, whether it is learning to swim, meeting friends, or simply enjoying the water.

“That is why we need to create a multi-functional Pool House, designed to enhance the experience for everybody who visits and extend our opening season.

“As a charity, we depend heavily on grants and community fund-raising to maintain and improve our facilities while keeping entry fees affordable.

“Operational costs have risen significantly in recent years, especially staffing, maintenance, and energy.

“Although we are fortunate to benefit from solar and renewable energy sources, their reliability is at the mercy of the great British weather.

“We are particularly keen to expand our work with local schools, youth groups, and individuals.

“Alarmingly, nearly 40 per cent of children leave school unable to swim.

“With additional funding, we can teach more children essential water safety and lifesaving skills.

“Our limited facilities are a barrier to wider community engagement.

“Currently, we rely on gazebos to shelter swimmers, staff, and spectators from the elements.

“In addition, the absence of an accessible toilet is a significant issue for pool users and visitors to the recreation ground, including those using the children’s play area, skatepark, sports clubs, and other amenities.”

The committee has put £100,000 toward the cost of the project and is applying for grants totalling £90,000, leaving £60,000 for which fund-raising has been ongoing throughout the year.