EXCLUSIVE
AMBITIOUS expansion plans have been announced for Ryde's Waterside Pool.
The Waterside Community Trust, which saved the canoe lake pool from Isle of Wight Council closure, has won the promise of £50,000 from Sport England.
The news followed it winning charitable status.
The trust plans to match the grant with its own cash, including that raised with a fundraising drive, and seek a bank loan for the rest of the money.
If the new building gets planning permission it will open as a multi-use fitness studio and will be adjacent to the existing swimming pool enclosure and have direct access to the existing changing rooms.
Trust chairman Ian Jenkins said: "This will greatly increase sport and leisure opportunities available in Ryde.
"Since Sport England announced the award we have been extremely busy appointing architects and a structural engineer to begin the design and construction of this much-needed indoor space.
"Some activities being considered are aerobic exercise, dance, Zumba, 'tumble tots', yoga, martial arts and possibly even short mat bowls for local clubs."
The new building is within the decked area of the pool building where the old children's paddling pool and the larger learner pool were.
The existing cafe will not be affected.
The Waterside was taken over nearly six years ago from the Isle of Wight Council and run as a 'not-for-profit' enterprise.
It has a thriving membership and is a training base for Ryde beach lifeguards.
The pool and the canoe lake splash park cost more than £1,000 a day to run, supported by income and funding from Ryde Town Council.
The trust recently announced improvement plans for both the pool and splash park.