NAAS, 29 June 2001: by Brian Byrne. The proposed new swimming pool for Naas would be provided in a state-of-the-art new building with facilities expected to have a lifespan of 60 years, according to S&P Retail and Leisure Architects, who made a courtesy presention to Naas UDC earlier this week.
The pool hall will have a full glass side overlooking the lake and Lakelands, and an extended car parking plan will be able to cater for buses bringing users in from outlying towns.
The 25-metre pool itself will have five swimming lanes, and the location of a learner pool at one end of it will allow easy supervision of both facilities by pool staff. A jacuzzi/spa along with a steam room and sauna will form an ancillary health suite accessible from the pool area only.
The changing rooms will be of the so-called ‘village’ variety which will provide maximum flexibility in use, and an upper level to the building will incorporate full gymnasium facilities.
The reception area in the new building is designed to allow easy casual supervision of the parking area, as well as a visually attractive entrance and internal security of access. The facilities will have full access for the disabled.
Extra office space is to be incorporated on the first floor, and rooflights across the top of the building will both add drama and reduce the amount of artificial lighting needed.
Traditional materials will be used in the construction, which will nevertheless be of a dramatic modern theme and is designed to be durable and resistant to vandalism as well as being attractive.
“It is a super design and we’ll be very proud to have this new facility,” Cllr Charlie Byrne said after the presentatiuon. “Nobody in their right minds could have any objections to it.”
The £4.8m project will be accessed by a new entrance road off the Craddockstown Road. It is expected to take two years to complete.
©2001brianbyrne/knn