WATER slides enjoyed by generations at a Bournemouth leisure centre are being taken down this week.
The flumes at Littledown leisure centre are in the process of being removed and they will not be replaced, it has been confirmed.
BCP Council, which owns the centre, concluded earlier this year that the yellow and green slides have reached the end of their lifespan.
Together with BH Live, the charity which runs the leisure centre, the council found that the design of the splash pool does not conform with modern legislation.
Cllr Mike Cox, BCP Council portfolio holder for finance, said: “In August 2021 an extensive inspection and assessment of the flumes by specialists and structural engineers confirmed that they had reached their end of life and were no longer operational.
“Further assessment since, established that the original design of the splash pool, and modern legislation in relation to the installation of water flumes, would not be compliant with today’s standards.
“To install replacement flumes would mean a significant cost to residents.
“Whilst this work is ongoing, we encourage residents to keep active and use the fantastic other local facilities including pools, gyms and classes available via their BH Live Active memberships or on a pay as you go basis.”
A spokeswoman for BH Live added: “Work to remove the waterslides at Littledown has started this week.
“The removal is being carried out in sections and will complete in the coming weeks.”
Contractors quoted the authority £95,000 to remove the slides, built in 1989, after finding evidence of corrosion.
Estimates were given by contractors ranging between £100,000 and £250,000, but this did not include the required lengthening of the splash pool to meet legislation.
Specialists and structural engineers were consulted, and the overriding recommendation was that the flumes should not be used until a substantial refurbishment or replacement was undertaken, BCP said earlier this year.
The slides have not been used since before the Covid pandemic in early 2020.
BH Live also runs leisure centre services at Stokewood, Sir David English Sports Centre, Pelhams and Corfe Mullen, and in Queen’s Park.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel