THE substantial work to refurbish the Malvern Splash leisure centre is on track to begin by the end of this month.

The £2million work will be carried out ahead of schedule after the coronavirus crisis saw pools across the country forced to close.

Malvern Hills District Council has hired LST Projects as the main contractor to carry out the work, and the 125 year-old company will begin work at the end of August.

Improvements include a full refurbishment of the swimming pool changing rooms and toilets, including dedicated changing facilities for people with disabilities and additional family changing areas.

READ MORE: Worcestershire braced for Storm Francis with high wind and bad weather

Additional improvements include a new interactive water play feature for younger swimmers, underwater lighting, a PA system, a new flume and improvements to the poolside area.

As a result of the works, there will be "limited disruption" to the facility’s current fitness users once the project starts.

Priory Road North car park will also be unavailable to the public until the refurbishment is completed in early January 2021 as it will accommodate the LST Projects site compound.

Priory Road South car park will remain open as normal.

Cllr Sarah Rouse, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "This investment is the next step in providing first class facilities and an enhanced experience for all who use the swimming pool.

READ MORE: Determined Bransford man riding 10,000km for St Richard's Hospice

"It also supports our efforts to make the council’s own operations carbon neutral by 2030."

Ivan Horsfall Turner, managing director at Freedom Leisure, said: "We were pleased to reopen Malvern Splash in July for our fitness customers and it is great news that the pool works are starting at the end of August.

"We look forward to the completion of the project which will provide a fantastic swimming experience for everyone in Malvern."

A number of improvement works have already been carried out prior to work being started.

A new wave machine has been fitted along with a UV filtration system to improve water quality and lower chlorine levels.

Other environmental measures being introduced include more efficient pumps, new boilers and LED lighting with new poolside glazing and solar panels.

READ MORE: Here is why the sauna was not included in the Malvern Splash revamp plans

Despite the new works, there have been concerns raised by Malvern residents about the decision not include a sauna in the new plans for the Malvern Splash.

The sauna/steam room has been removed from plans because it isn't used very much despite costing £12,000 a year to maintain - say Freedom Leisure, the firm behind the refurbishment, and the district council.

They also said 'improper use' meant it needed to be constantly repaired and blamed its disappearance in part on social distancing restrictions required during the current coronavirus outbreak.

For more information about the works, go to www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/malvernsplash.