A LOCAL baby swim school has brought a derelict swimming pool in Tunbridge Wells town centre back into use – all thanks to a new business model.
Having lost the use of two swimming pools over the pandemic, the Tunbridge Wells franchisee of Water Babies, working with the owner, set out to resurrect the former spa and gym in the old Post Office building that had previously suffered flood damage.
The pool was completed late last year, but the swim school has only recently launched a full timetable.
Kelly Lockwood of Water Babies explained: “Five years ago, one of our main pools in the area closed, and then we lost access to two more pools after the Covid lockdown.
“Whilst a huge investment, the opportunity to have our own pool and be able to swim seven days a week with complete control was too big an opportunity to miss.”
She added: “Tunbridge Wells is such a fabulous town and in the heart of my business area.
“We also still had a lot of parents who had been displaced and were eagerly waiting for us to find a new pool.”
Renovations at the 12 Vale Road property included installing equipment to ensure a temperature of 32C or above – warm enough even for babies under 12 weeks or 12lbs.
The pool is just 1.3m deep. Water Babies at Tunbridge Wells also hopes to introduce aqua-natal sessions for expectant mothers and lessons for children aged five and up.
