Nestled in the heart of Wiveliscombe, Somerset, Wivey Pool is a much loved outdoor swimming facility that has been at the centre of community life since 1927. This 30 yard heated pool offers a welcoming space for people of all ages & abilities. As a Charity run by dedicated local volunteers, the pool is more than just a place to swim – it’s a social hub where friendships are formed, events are hosted & generations come together to enjoy the outdoors. With a strong focus on accessibility, sustainability & community involvement, Wivey Pool continues to play a vital role in supporting health, wellbeing & local connection.
We were proud to deliver a project that combines thoughtful design, community value & high-quality craftsmanship. This build involved the complete transformation of an outdated facility into a modern, accessible & welcoming space for visitors, swimmers & volunteers alike.
Prior to redevelopment, the facilities at Wivey Pool reflected its long history but could not fully meet the needs for year round swimming. The development site was occupied by a collection of aging wooden sheds. With the pool itself approaching its centenary & continuing to grow in popularity, the Trustees felt that a new Pool House was needed to take Wivey Pool into the second century!
Bringing this vision to life was no small task. The project was made possible through an incredible community effort, with extensive fundraising initiatives & the securing of grant funding. Local supporters, volunteers & organisations all played a vital role in this, proving how valued Wivey Pool is within the local area.
The decision was made to remove the existing structures entirely, creating a blank canvas for a purpose-built facility that could better support the pool’s aim of extended opening in colder months & holding more events.
The project began with the demolition of the series of aging storage sheds & pool kitchenette.
In place of the old structures, we constructed a purpose-built pool house designed as a central hub for visitors.
The external design was developed with sensitivity to the surrounding area. A combination of stonework to the side elevation & rendered blockwork to the sides & rear provides a robust & attractive finish. Cladding was also installed to tie in with nearby buildings, helping the structure sit naturally within its environment.
The building is finished with a standing seam roof system, chosen for its durability & weather resistance – delivering both long-term performance & a high-quality aesthetic.
As with many construction projects, additional requirements arose during the build. Footings were needed to retain the adjacent car park – work that was not included in the original scope. Despite this, the project team adapted quickly, incorporating the changes without impacting the overall project.
Alongside the main construction, extensive landscaping works were carried out to transform the surrounding area. A key priority was accessibility, with the site designed to be fully wheelchair-friendly. This included improved access routes & the installation of a dedicated disabled toilet, serving both pool users & visitors to the neighbouring recreation ground.
The success of the project was supported by a team of trusted subcontractors & specialists. The architect for this project was Duncan at DesignSOLUTIONS. The screeding was completed by Southcoast Liquid Screeding. Total Aluminium supplied & installed large bifold doors, a main entrance door & the feature circular “porthole” window feature adding both functionality & a distinctive design element to the building. Solar panels were installed by Somerset Renewables, contributing to the sustainability of the facility & helping to reduce its long-term energy costs.
Whilst the Pool House was being constructed, the trustees took the opportunity to replace the old rough coping stones by Marwan Interiors along with upgrading the pool surround by MJS Surfacing in partnership with Flex Flooring in Frome.
Despite additional works & never-ending rain, the build was completed on schedule & within budget The finished pool house is a modern, practical & visually cohesive facility that significantly enhances the overall experience at Wivey Pool.
The New Pool House provides a future-proofed facility that will continue to benefit the local community for many years to come. Every element, from the external materials & roofing system to the internal layout & accessibility features have been carefully considered & executed to the high standard we are known for.
Below showcases the transformation – a cohesive, durable & visually striking building that sits comfortably within its surroundings while offering a significant upgrade in usability & comfort. We’re proud to have played a part in creating a facility that will serve Wivey Pool & the community for many years to come.
At the heart of the building is a welcoming communal area, offering a place for visitors & swimmers to relax & socialise.
A new kitchenette was incorporated, allowing for serving of drinks & snacks – much needed after a swim! There is ample space for training & supporting volunteers.
A key feature of the building is the installation of large bifold doors that open directly out onto the pool area, creating a seamless connection between the indoor & outdoor spaces. This allows for easy flow during busy periods. In addition, a rooflight window has been added, bringing in additional natural light & creating a bright, open atmosphere within the pool house.
The completed Wivey Pool development stands as a testament to the hard work, dedication & collaboration of everyone involved in the project. From initial demolition through to the final finishing touches, our team worked closely with the client & specialist subcontractors to deliver a high-quality facility that meets both the practical needs & long-term vision of the site. It was an absolute pleasure to bring this to life for such a wonderful local community!
If you’re planning a similar project – whether it’s a community facility, commercial build or bespoke development – we’d be happy to help. Get in touch with us to discuss your ideas & see how we can bring your vision to life.
