Ambitious plans for £36 million indoor swimming pool and sports centre take major step forward

The move is a major step forward in the drive to build and open a new indoor swimming pool in the city in two years’ time.

Peterborough City Council’s planning chiefs will now consider the planning application, which seeks approval to proceed with the development.

It will also feature a 20 metre activity pool with a moveable floor, a cafe, family play, health and wellbeing rooms, a 150-station fitness suite and two studios, plus a spin studio.

The timeline is currently for construction work to start in early 2027 with completion expected in 2028.

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “I have made it clear to officers that we must pull out all the stops to deliver a new leisure centre as quickly as possible so I am pleased to see that we remain on schedule with the planning application being submitted.

“This new development is very much needed so that our residents have a modern and accessible leisure facility where they can exercise, learn to swim, have fun with family and friends and socialise.

“We are hopeful that the planning application will be determined in October which means we could begin site clearance in November, ready for main construction to start early in the new year.”

Peterborough MP, Andrew Pakes, said: “This is a hugely welcome step forward for Peterborough.

"Delivering a new pool and leisure centre for our city has been one of my top priorities since the Regional Pool closed, and I’ve spent the last year working hand-in-hand with Peterborough City Council, ARU Peterborough and the City of Peterborough Swimming Club to get us to this point.

“Now our plans are moving from ambition to reality, and it couldn’t come sooner.

“Residents have waited far too long for quality public leisure facilities, and this new development will support our growing city, tackle inactivity, and give families, swimmers, and young people the modern facilities they deserve.”

The council announced last year its intention to deliver a new swimming pool and leisure development for residents and secured £20 million from the Government’s Growth Mission Fund, subject to the approval of a full business case, towards the cost of the project.

The council expects to hear from Government on its business case submission shortly.

The council has committed to funding the remainder of the project, expected to be around £21m, but also continues to seek private sector funding or grants to assist with the costs.

Officers have been working at pace to develop plans, working closely with partners including Alliance Leisure, the council’s delivery partner.

Initial engagement took place earlier this year using an online survey which attracted 934 responses.

A number of focus groups were also held with residents.

In May residents were invited to view detailed plans for the new leisure development, which will be built south of the university and adjacent to the Athletics Track, overlooking the Embankment.