Nuffield Pool is centrepiece of new leisure area

Nuffield Pool will be reopened for all local residents in a major project that also includes plans for a new promenade, a dog park and a children’s play area, the Gibraltar Government will announce today.

The Government plans to open up a new promenade linking Camp Bay and Little Bay along the seafront by the Nuffield Pool.

The Nuffield Pool will be opened to the public on similar lines to the Bathing Pavilion adjacent to Harbour Views.

“I am very happy to see that we are re-opening the Nuffield Pool to be enjoyed by all residents,” said Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

“That was an area that was closed off to ordinary Gibraltarian working people for many years when it was run by the MoD and I am genuinely pleased that we are now able to make it available to our people at last.”

“This is about creating a facility for all our residents to enjoy in the summer months with their families. I could not be happier than to see this open area reserved for this purpose."

The Minister for Environment John Cortes called the new facility “wonderful” and said that many dog owners will welcome the creation of a dog park in the area.

According to the Government works will proceed immediately, but will need to be halted temporarily to accommodate the Island Games as beach volley-ball sessions will be held there.

“It is great to be able to work together with the Ministry of Environment on this project since it shows the benefit of the Island Games to the whole community,” said the Minister for Sport Steven Linares.

“All areas used for the Games - in this case the beach Volleyball Court and its surrounding areas - will be beautified for all to enjoy, especially after the Games."

The plans include landscaping and placing of seating areas along the way.

The existing palm trees will be retained, and up to 20 new trees will be planted.

Also included in the plans is a “kick-about area” for children as well as a children’s play area, replacing the existing ones.