British Paralympic swimmer Jessica-Jane Applegate joined South Norfolk Council Chair, Sharon Blundell, to officially open the newly refurbished Diss Swim Centre. The ceremony marked the completion of a major redevelopment designed to modernise the much-loved community facility and ensure its long-term viability.

Delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, the project brought together a skilled team of sector-specific specialists, with a commitment to sourcing locally wherever possible to support the regional economy.

Alliance Leisure acted as the council’s development partner, providing a single point of contact and overseeing the project from conception to completion. The expert delivery team included Saunders Boston Architects, Real Consulting for project and cost management, and DDi Projects as Principal Contractor, supported by KGO Electrical and Woodwards Mechanical. Long-standing council partner Hydrospec carried out essential pool reprofiling and a full upgrade of the plant room.

 

Children and adults benefit from swimming lessons at the centre with thousands of families enjoying time together during our open swim sessions. With the adaptions to the pool and extended changing facilities we have improved the overall experience for all our visitors as well as increasing capacity for swimming sessions and classes. These improvements, alongside the previous PSDS energy efficiency works, have safeguarded the future of the facility.

Steven Peet
Strategic Leisure Development Manager at South Norfolk Council

In the pool area, upgrades included reprofiling the main pool tank to support more flexible programming, making it ideal for lessons and classes. The pool was also re-rendered and retiled, and the plant system was modernised to improve water quality. Additional equipment has been installed to enhance accessibility for all users.

The changing facilities were expanded into a larger, more accessible changing village, with a new spectator viewing area incorporated to improve visibility for parents and carers. Refurbishments to the entrance lobby and reception have also created a more welcoming and user-friendly environment.

Prior to this phase of works, the council secured £1.2 million from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to deliver carbon-saving measures in support of its ambition to reach net zero by 2030. These works, delivered directly by the council, included upgrades to the building fabric through cladding and insulation, the removal of fossil fuel-based systems, and the installation of air source heat pumps and solar panels on the roof.

It’s fantastic to see the community enjoying the upgraded facilities. This project came with unique challenges due to the site’s long history, with the pool having undergone multiple adaptations over the years. A lack of technical information and unforeseen issues, such as the need to replace defective flooring in the changing area, added complexity.

Alliance Leisure and the project team tackled every challenge with expertise, delivering cost-effective and timely solutions. Their experience was instrumental in supporting completing the works for our reopening date —something we could not have achieved with a less seasoned team.

Steven Peet
Strategic Leisure Development Manager at South Norfolk Council