Cambridge City Council is pleased to announce the completion of a new sensory lighting and sound installation at King's Hedges Learner Pool funded through £45,000 of Section 106 developer contributions.
The launch was marked by a ribbon-cutting event attended by local councillors, councils Recreation Officer, pupils and the pool’s management team, Better.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Richard Swift, Cabinet Member for Safety, Wellbeing and Tackling Homelessness Cllr Mike Todd-Jones, Leader of Cambridge City Council Cllr Cameron Holloway, and King's Hedges ward councillors Martin Smart and Jenny Gawthrope Wood joined pupils from Martin Bacon Academy, a specialist education school in Cambridge, to celebrate the reopening and take part in the inaugural visit to the upgraded facility.
The pupils were the first to experience the pool’s new sensory features, following a week-long closure to install state-of-the-art sensory development equipment.
Upgrades to the pool include enhanced lighting, refurbished roof surfaces, blinds for windows, which will be installed shortly, and new audio systems designed to interact with the lighting, allowing the lights to change in sync with the beat. These improvements are designed to support children and young people with sensory needs, creating a safe, engaging and stimulating environment.
Cllr Mike Todd-Jones said: “We’re delighted to see this installation at the learner pool. This facility plays an important role in supporting children and young people with sensory needs, and the upgrades will help create a space where they can feel safe, engaged and able to thrive.
“As a council, we are very aware that access to high-quality facilities can make a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing, particularly in communities where need is greatest. That’s why we’re proud that Section 106 funding has helped deliver these improvements, ensuring that residents directly benefit from investment in their area.
“It’s wonderful to see the community, local schools and our partners come together to celebrate a project that will make a meaningful difference to so many families.”
Daryl Emes, GLL Cambridgeshire Partnership Manager, said: “Seeing the pupils’ excitement as they experienced the pool for the first time is exactly what this project set out to achieve. It’s fantastic to provide a space where everyone can feel included and enjoy themselves, whether visiting with their school or attending sessions with family.”
The sensory enhanced Learner pool will now host dedicated weekday sessions for SEND schools, as well as weekend 'Sensory Swim for All' sessions, ensuring families, carers and young people can access the facility in a way that suits their needs. The pool can also be hired by the local community for birthday parties.
