Future swimming stars splash out at historic baths
Olympic hopefuls Morgan Mockler, Sarah Taylor-Reid, Harry Needs and Devon Robins at Ironmonger Row Baths. Today’s promising young swimmers could be tomorrow’s Olympic champions thanks to help from Islington Council and EC1 New Deal for Communities.
They have recently pledged £16 million to refurbish Ironmonger Row Baths – the site of last Friday’s Islington Primary School Swimming Championships.
Islington’s best young swimmers converged on the EC1 venue which will benefit from an overhaul in time for London's Olympics in 2012.
Mayor of Islington Anna Berent, Councillor Ruth Polling, Islington’s Executive Member for Leisure and Equalities and EC1 New Deal for Communities Chief Executive, Kirby Swales, were all on hand to see the borough’s up-and-coming talent take to the water.
Councillor Ruth Polling said: “Ironmonger Row Baths is a wonderful building steeped in history which we are determined to preserve.
“Investing in the venue also means investing in the health and fitness of the community.
“I saw a host of promising swimmers compete on Friday and this investment is one way the council is recognising and nurturing young talent.
“The borough is already home to potential swimming stars with former Islington School Champions Devon Robins, Sarah Taylor-Reid, Morgan Mockler and Olympic hopeful Harry Needs, who is now in the England Swimming squad."
All four swimmers were special guests at Friday’s competition.
Ironmonger Row Baths' multi-million pound refurbishment was announced in May 2009 with work expected to start next summer.
While the improvements – including better pools and accessibility, a larger gym, more space for exercise studios and a flexible area for community groups – will modernise the facility, historical features will be kept and restored.
EC1 New Deal for Communities Chief Executive, Kirby Swales said: “Everyone in EC1 deserves somewhere that's easy to get to and that makes keeping fit and healthy an enjoyable part of every day life.
“We are very pleased to be working with Islington Council to bring such a historic building right up to date."