ONE of Swindon's most iconic landmarks is set for a long-overdue facelift as part of a £500,000 council scheme.

Swindon Borough Council has unveiled plans to restore the Coate Water diving board as part of its transformation of the popular outdoor space.

This includes a half-a-million-pound investment into building a new inclusive children’s play park closer to the park’s entrance. 

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There are also plans to create new cafe facilities.

The council posted on Facebook: “We’ve got some good news which we hope will put a spring in the step of all those who love Coate Water.

“Preparations are currently underway to submit a planning and listed building application to refurbish and clean the iconic Coate Water diving board. “

The art-deco diving board – built in 1935 and believed to be one of only two left in the county – is Grade II listed.

It has become a popular landmark but years of being exposed to the elements have left it looking worse for wear and it has long been defunct.

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“If the applications are successful we hope to bring the much-loved landmark back to its former glory this spring," the council added. "We will update you on when the work will take place after a contractor has been appointed.

“When we carried out our Parks Survey last year, residents said they would like more information about the heritage of Swindon’s parklands, so appropriate signage including a brief history of the diving board, will be provided as part of the work.”

The old children’s play park at Coate Water was suffering from regular flooding and during the first lockdown in 2020 was dismantled and blocked off to the public. 

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The council recently held public consultations asking people what they would like to see from a replacement facility and the authority has been in discussions with disability advocacy group Mums on a Mission throughout the process. 

“Our plans to build a new children’s play park at Coate Water are also progressing well and we will soon be going out to tender for the £500,000 project, which will see the park relocated to a more accessible position nearer to the public toilets, refreshment kiosk and car park,” the council said. 

“We had some really excellent feedback from residents following the public consultation, as well as from Mums on a Mission – Swindon, who have given us some great suggestions so we make the play park an exemplary inclusive play area for all to use and enjoy. 

“We’ll give you further details as soon as we have them.”

Cabinet member for culture, heritage, leisure and town centre experience, councillor Rob Jandy said: “Coate Water really is one of Swindon’s gems and this investment in the diving board and children’s play park is just the start as we also have plans to create new café facilities. 

“We had a fantastic response to the consultation events and we are committed to doing all we can to make the most of all our beautiful parks so local people can continue to enjoy them.”