Work begins on Olympic sized pool

Leadbitter has begun work on a £25m swimming pool complex in West London that will be used by budding Olympians in the run up to the 2012 games.

The design and build scheme at Uxbridge Lido will include the restoration of the Grade II listed lido with a new state-of-the-art building constructed alongside. This will house a 50m swimming pool, health and fitness suite and community sports hall.

It is being constructed by Leadbitter with a design team headed by Faulkner Brown Architects. Atkins will be the employers agent and surveyor.

The majority of funding for the scheme has been provided by London Borough of Hillingdon, with the remainder being picked up by the London Development Agency, Sport England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Former swimmer Sharron Davies cut the ceremonial sod today (Wednesday) to mark the beginning of the development.

She said: “We are very short of quality 50m competition pools, we need more of them to train our up and coming champions of the future towards 2012 as well as looking after the health and fitness of every one of us.”

Bob Rendell, group chief executive of Leadbitter said:

“This unique development, which combines sensitive restoration of the historic lido with a significant new build, will provide a state-of-the-art, competition standard facility, fit for the 21st century and the Country’s 2012 Olympic training.

“Hosting the Olympics means a great deal to the Country and we are thrilled to be playing a part in its success as well as enhancing the facilities available for local residents.”