Member Article

Hampshire developer ‘swims in’ with support for Whitchurch pool restoration

Barratt Homes’ Southampton Division has shown support for a fundraising campaign to bring back a much-loved swimming pool in Whitchurch, Hampshire.

The town’s outdoor community pool at Testbourne School has been closed since 2019 and is now in a state of disrepair. Keen to see it open again, a team of local volunteers are working tirelessly to raise enough money to get the pool back to an operational standard.

Christopher Sharp, Barratt Homes Commercial Manager, lives in Whitchurch, and is backing the campaign. His employer, Barratt Homes, has also shown its support in the form of a £500 cash donation.

Christopher said: “The swimming pool at Testbourne School has been a popular facility for the whole community, and it’s been sad to see it closed for so long. It is a great amenity for Whitchurch, having once provided leisure swimming and lessons for many local individuals and organisations, and we’d love to see it restored to its former glory.

“With a lot of work to do, an initial £35,000 is needed to return the swimming pool to a serviceable condition, and everyone is helping to raise money where they can. I’m thrilled that Barratt has offered its support. This is a cause which is really important for me, my family, and my friends, and I know the wider Whitchurch community will be very grateful.”

Tammy Bishop, Barratt Homes Sales Director, said: “At Barratt we are committed to supporting organisations that need it in the communities where we are building, and the Whitchurch pool restoration fund, is a great example of this.

“To see the town’s swimming pool back up and running again will be fantastic, and it’s been a pleasure to offer our support.”

The £35,000 target will mean the swimming pool grounds can be cleared of vegetation, and the pavings and pool capping can me made good. The pool will also need replacement filters, skimmers, parts, and a new filtration medium, and the water will need to be chemically cleaned.

More than £15,500 has been raised so far.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .