An 'attractive' refit for Walsall Gala Baths

NEARLY one third of a million pounds is to be invested into Gala Baths in Walsall town centre to help it become 'more attractive'.

The Lichfield Street leisure facility is set to receive a new suspended ceiling for changing rooms and the Brine pool will also be redecorated.

Major rewiring will also take place.

The £300,000 investment will take around three months to complete – with the gala swimming pool only being closed for two weeks, beginning on Monday, March 22.

Councillor Anthony Harris, Walsall Council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "We believe very strongly that attractive venues are popular venues and I'm pleased to see investment in the Gala Baths."

The work comes in the wake of a survey conducted with leisure centre users in late 2009 to compile opinions on the facility.

Councillor Harris, added: "Much of the work will be unseen but vital nonetheless.

"It's important that we rewire the building since it is many years since this was done and it needs renewing.

"Overall, we are confident that the work will be popular with customers and further build on the Gala's reputation for being a brilliant town centre leisure location.

"There will be lots of night working when the centre is closed in order to minimise disruption, which I'm sure people will be pleased to hear.

"We are also letting people know well in advance about any disruption through the process, through our website, through Twitter, Facebook and through posters at the Gala itself.

"This investment of £300,000 shows how seriously Walsall Council takes its commitment to provide facilities that are fit for purpose."

Work on the facility is due to begin on March 15 and is set to last for around three months.

The entire centre will be closed for a week from April 5 with the Brine pool closed for three weeks from May 3.