Memories of Watford Springs swimming pool complex

These pictures were taken by a Watford Observer photographer on January 29, 1990 and show a crane lifting more parts of Watford Springs into place ahead of its opening later that year.

Most of the main swimming pool building had been completed at the time these snaps were taken, but the external flumes were still being finished.

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The lower part of the flumes have been completed. (Image: Watford Observer)

The Lower High Street complex was popular with many people in the town, but it was beset with problems from the outset and ten years after opening councillors decided to close its doors for the final time and order its demolition in October 2000.

A crane at work at the complex (Image: Watford Observer)

Then leader of Watford Borough Council Vince Muspratt said: “Watford Springs was built as a flagship pool for the people of Watford. It is sickening I have to stand here to move the motion this evening.

The view from the Ring Road (Image: Watford Observer)

“There are lessons from this to be learned, and councillors and the public have a right to know the council will never be put into such a position again.

Another view of the construction work (Image: Watford Observer)

“The loss of a facility, such as Springs, will be felt inside and outside the borough but we have to move on and look to the future.”

Swimmers enjoying the complex after it had opened (Image: Watford Observer)

The colour pictures on this page show how many people remember Watford Springs.

How Watford Springs looked from the outside once construction had finished (Image: Watford Observer)