Work on a new swimming pool is scheduled to get underway next month after planning permission was granted by Three Rivers.

The council will invest £9million in a new building at The Centre in Gosforth Lane, South Oxhey replacing the existing pool service at the Sir James Altham Centre.

Three Rivers District Council’s lease on the Sir James Altham site runs out in 2025.

Work in Gosforth Lane will begin in February with a new pool opening in the summer of 2020. The new building will have a main pool, learner pool and changing facilities on the ground floor, and a fitness suite on the first floor.

Solar panels and other environmentally-conscious building measures will see a reduction in CO2 emissions, while landscape buffers will increase biodiversity and shield existing homes, according to Three Rivers.

Works will be phased so that existing facilities at The Centre, including the Youth Zone, gym and small sports hall will remain open during the main construction works.

Liberal Democrat councillor, Alison Scarth said: “I’m delighted that Three Rivers will be investing in a new pool for the area. Providing facilities for our residents to be healthy and have fun is really important. Enabling children to learn to swim locally means that they will learn a skill that may save their lives in the future.”

Council leader, Cllr Sara Bedford added: “This is part of our continuing investment in the South Oxhey area. I’m looking forward to seeing it open next year.”