Pozzoni hands over Formby Pool project

Work to extend leisure facilities with a striking addition to the award-winning Formby Pool in Sefton has been completed following a nine-month construction period.

Designed by Pozzoni, the extension includes a new dry side 60-person fitness suite, the conversion of the original fitness suite into state-of-the-art multi-purpose studio and a new overspill car park.

The extension has been designed to fit seamlessly with the existing pool building, which was completed in 2006 by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and won several notable awards including a national accolade from RIBA.

As part of the extension design an asymmetrical monopitch roof design was chosen to mirror form of the existing pool hall building and to provide a distinctive end to the building, without challenging the original design concept. The new flexible studio space benefits from a state-of-the-art music and lighting system.

Martin Bransby, director at Pozzoni, said: “The main feature of the building is the pool hall, so it was important to make sure that the design of the extension didn’t detract from that. We wanted to create a harmonious connection between the old and new, using the same materials such as copper cladding, curtain walling and timber, as well as taking design cues from the existing building.

“The end result is a modern leisure facility that will enable Formby Pool to remain as a focal social and leisure hub in the heart of the town centre and be a valuable asset to the local community.”

Dave Pugh, project coordinator on behalf of Formby Land Trust, said: “It has been a privilege to work on this important community building and help develop the facilities to meet the needs of customers. We are delighted with the completed work and hope it encourages more people to try the new facilities."

David Kiernan, Formby Pool Trust head of operations, commented: “Both the Board and I are very excited about how the project has turned out. Pozzoni has taken key elements from the original build, delivering a seamless extension which has exceeded our expectations.”

The design team was made up of Pozzoni, Abacus CM and the main contractor, John Greenwood (Builders) Ltd.