DESIGNS have been revealed for the transformation of a 146-year-old open air swimming pool, with building work set to begin in September.

The committee at Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool has received planning permission from Cotswold District Council for the overhaul of the popular attraction.

It is one of the oldest outdoor pools in the country, and was initially created for the public’s health and hygiene in 1869 but soon became an area for swimming and sunbathing.

After years of working tirelessly to make sure the ageing pool could open each summer season, the committee decided it was time to modernise the facility.

Finding the funding was expected to prove difficult, but it was revealed back in October that a mystery local benefactor had offered to meet half the cost of the project, which is expected to reach hundreds of thousands of pounds.

A new heating and filtration system will be installed, the changing rooms and tuck shop will be revamped, there will be a new entrance and meeting room, a play area will be created, and possibly even a mini amphitheatre.

“We’re going to have the tuck shop moved from the corner,” said chairman Mike Cutts. “It’s a pinch point getting past so we are putting it by the main building.

"At the other end, where the current changing rooms are, we are thinking of a mini amphitheatre, because of our Roman heritage.

“The curved seat will give parents the opportunity to see into the small pool in front of them."

The changing rooms will be moved from the far end of the pool, to the front main building, next to the entrance.

“With the old layout, people would have to walk the full length of the pool with their street shoes on,” Mike added.

“It’s common in most pools to have the changing rooms at the front.

“That makes the other end a big space and we will make it quite family orientated.”

Although Mike is keeping the total cost for the overhaul close to his chest – as well as the sources of funding – he said that building work should begin in September.

“We are moving forward,” he said.

“There is an immense amount of unexpected work to do.

"We have had to do a flood report, an asbestos report, a site survey and a radon survey.”

The pool will be open as usual this summer before the building work starts, and is hoped to be ready by next summer.