You may have previously read our updates on the progress being made at the Falkland Islands swimming pool, which had been closed for over a year. We’re pleased to announce that the swimming pool is complete and opened to the public on 31st May.

Back in July 2020, the contract for retiling the Stanley pool was awarded to Guncast Swimming Pools Ltd.

At the time, Education and Community portfolio holder, MLA Stacy Bragger said: “The swimming pool is a vital part of our community and I would like to thank the public for being so patient. A lot is happening to plan and deliver these retiling works, and other remedial works are also taking place at present to improve the pool condition and other aspects of the swimming pool complex. I am sure we are all looking forward to the planned re-opening in May 2021.”

Swimming Pool Restoration and Repair

When the existing fibreglass was lifted, the contractors found that most of the tiles were either broken or loose. The screed, which was water damaged, also needed to be removed, and a brand-new concrete base has been laid out.

MLA Barry Elsby, Portfolio Lead for Development and Commercial Services, said: “This has been a hugely important project for the government, given the significance of the pool to our local community. The team involved were tested throughout the programme of works and, with the added restrictions that Covid-19 brought, everyone worked incredibly hard to ensure that this project came in on time and was delivered to a high standard. I know so many in our community are desperate to start swimming again.”

Director of Development and Commercial Services, Catherine Silva Donayre, said: “I am very proud of everyone who has been involved with this project, and would like to thank the project team who have worked hard to ensure that the end result is a success. It’s been a long time since the pool was first closed for inspection, but it was essential that the team thoroughly assessed the pool’s condition, to have a full picture of what was needed before starting procurement for a works contractor. Shipping and mobilisation times were more challenging than normal, with COVID-related border restrictions and disruption to the global supply chain. We hope the community will enjoy having this important facility open again.”

This isn’t the first time that the swimming pool at the Stanley Leisure Centre has been renovated. The skilled team at Guncast stepped in to provide their expertise with swimming pool renovations.

MLA Barry Elsby spoke of the project to Falklands radio. During the interview, he said: “I’m absolutely confident that previous issues will not be repeated. The public accounts committee did a very detailed report highlighting what went wrong before.”

“This time, we’ve brought in high-quality professionals from the UK who specialise in building pools and renovating pools. Guncast were our chosen contractor. They have carried out an absolutely immaculate piece of work here and the way they worked was exemplary,” he added.

Listen to the entire radio interview here.

Guncast Swimming Pools

Guncast offers complete, bespoke solutions for the design and build of commercial and residential swimming pools. Guncast is also the selected UK partner for KLAFS sauna, steam and other wellness products.

For industry leading advice, contact our dedicated swimming pool builders on +44 (0)1798 343725. Alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our specialists will be in touch.