A STEEL beam has been signed by members of the local community as the construction of Eston Pool hits a major milestone.
This month, the steel frame of the building is being erected, and one steel beam stands out among the others.
Norman Spencer, 95, proudly signed his name, and it is believed he was the first person to swim in the old pool when it first opened in 1960.
Names of local swimmers from Eston Swim Club were also signed on the beam before it will be placed on the structure, leaving a lasting legacy for the swim club.
The club has more than 90 members and they’ve have had to temporarily relocate and carry out their training at Redcar’s Leisure Centre while works have been taking place at the Eston Pool site.
The club competes in open galas, county and regional competitions as well as British and national competitions. One member has qualified for this year’s English Summer Nationals Meet and the British Summer Nationals.
“It’s really exciting times for everyone at Eston Swim Club and the people of the TS6 area,” explained Head Coach, Phil Horner. “The pool has been a long time coming as it seems like we have missed a decade of children who have potentially missed out on learning a lifesaving skill.
“The club’s swimmers have excelled in their training at Redcar Leisure Centre, pushing the club and each other to higher levels of swimming. With a new pool that the swimmers can call their home, it will bring exciting new opportunities for everyone.”
Some of the steel used for the building comes from the UK including from Redcar, Scunthorpe, Hartlepool, Gateshead and Cardiff.
The new Eston Pool facility will be designed to Sport England specifications, and will have a 25 metre, six lane pool with changing areas, a 150-seat spectator gallery, an official’s room for gala use and a Changing Places facility, which can be accessed via a new lobby.
The facility will also include a separate learner pool, welcoming children and young people to learn how to swim. Once opened, residents will have access to public swimming and swimming lessons as well as galas and competition swimming.
The pool will be complete in early 2026, thanks to funding from the Government, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
Everyone Active will be the facility operator.
Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of the council, said: “This milestone marks another step towards delivering a fantastic new facility for our community. I’m especially proud that we added a learner pool to the design after listening to the community, ensuring young swimmers and beginners have a dedicated space to build their confidence and skills in the water.
“This isn’t just a building, it’s an investment in our borough’s health, fitness and future.”
Cllr Lynn Pallister, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at the council, said: “Once this fantastic facility is open, we can finally welcome Eston Swimming Club back to their real home where they belong.
“No longer will residents from Grangetown, South Bank, Eston, Teesville , Normanby and Ormesby who can swim or want to learn to swim have to travel miles, they will soon have a new swimming pool including a learner pool back in the heart of the community to enjoy for many years to come.”
Cllr Ursula Earl, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at the council, said: “This new pool will go on to benefit many of our local residents of all ages, those who can swim and those who are learning this invaluable life-saving and enjoyable skill, improving their health and wellbeing in the process. I’m particularly excited to see the learner pool taking shape as it will be an inclusive space so sensory swim sessions can be held to allow neurodivergent children and adults the opportunity to enjoy swimming.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This shows the real, personal impact our funding has on local people – in creating great facilities that they can be proud of and, in this case, one they are part of the fabric of.
“Our big-ticket investments are creating jobs and getting more money in people’s pockets, but it’s these smaller interventions that are meaningfully improving lives and wellbeing. I’m delighted the people of Eston will be able to enjoy swimming once again in a top-quality pool.”
Nick Corrigan, northeast director for Willmott Dixon, said: “What a fantastic afternoon. Our team were enormously proud to welcome Eston residents and swimming club members on to site to show them the progress we’re making.
“It was great to hear just how excited the community is to have a new pool where generations of Eston children will learn to swim, and we are committed to delivering the first-class health and wellbeing facility they deserve.”
Paul Ayre, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “We are incredibly excited at the prospect of operating this state-of-the-art pool, which will prove a fantastic facility for the local community for many years to come. Eston Pool will offer a wide range of aquatic activities and can help you to develop your skills in the water in a safe and welcoming environment, no matter what your age or ability.”
