Hurst Pool Molesey closes for £1.45m upgrade this September
Five-Month Closure Begins September at Molesey’s Cherished Pool
After months of anticipation and delays, Elmbridge Borough Council has finally confirmed that the Hurst Pool in Molesey will undergo its long-awaited refurbishment starting 7 September, with completion expected by February 2025. The project, which originally should have kicked off in March, has been held back by contractor complications that left many in our community wondering when work would actually begin.
The modernisation investment has grown from the initially budgeted £1.3 million to £1.45 million, reflecting the rising costs that councils across Surrey are grappling with in today’s economic climate. For those of us who’ve used this facility over the years, the upgrade comes as welcome news. The Hurst Pool attracts an impressive 157,000 visits annually, making it a genuine community lifeline for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a regular lap swimmer, a parent bringing children for lessons, or someone using the pool for rehabilitation, this closure will directly impact your routine for the next five months. Council leadership has emphasised this investment demonstrates commitment to keeping the facility competitive and fit for purpose for years to come.
What’s Changing: Energy Efficiency Meets Modern Comfort
The refurbishment programme isn’t simply about cosmetic updates—though the facility certainly deserves it. The modernisation will tackle the pool’s decor comprehensively, giving the building a fresh, contemporary feel that matches what you’d expect from a twenty-first-century leisure facility. The cafe area will be reimagined to offer improved refreshment options, and the changing rooms—often the part of any pool that shows its age fastest—will receive significant attention.
Perhaps most importantly for residents conscious of environmental impact and running costs, the project includes substantial energy efficiency upgrades. These improvements mirror the kind of thoughtful renovation work we’ve seen elsewhere in Elmbridge, similar to how Guilford builders have approached loft conversion and loft rebuilding projects with modern sustainability standards. These upgrades will reduce the facility’s carbon footprint while potentially lowering operational costs, ultimately benefiting the council’s budget and keeping access affordable for local families. Places Leisure, the operator managing the Hurst Pool on behalf of the council, will oversee the works to ensure minimal disruption and that quality standards remain high throughout the process.
Your Alternative Options and What’s Next
If you’re a regular at the Hurst Pool, you’ll want to plan ahead. During the September-to-February closure, the nearest alternative swimming facility is the Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex in Walton-on-Thames, situated just a short drive away. Many local swimmers may already be familiar with Xcel, but now’s the time to check their timetables and book sessions if your usual routine will be disrupted. Contact them directly to understand their capacity and any temporary arrangements for Hurst Pool members seeking alternative access.
Community groups, schools, and swimming clubs that rely on the Hurst Pool should already be in conversation with Places Leisure about contingency arrangements. If you haven’t been contacted but your organisation uses the pool regularly, reaching out to the leisure centre directly is essential. Keep an eye on Elmbridge Borough Council’s official communications for any announcements regarding member discounts at alternative facilities or special considerations for school swimming programmes. The council has signalled this investment reflects its commitment to the Hurst Pool remaining a high-quality community asset, so it’s worth watching for updates on reopening celebrations and any new features once work concludes.
Source: Elmbridge council sets swimming pool refurb date as costs rise
