IN PICTURES: New images show how £36 million indoor swimming pool in Peterborough is set to make new splash

A planning application to build the 25 metre indoor swimming pool and sports centre on the Embankment at a cost of more than £37 million, is expected to be formally submitted on July 24.

The application will be submitted to Peterborough City Council’s planning chiefs and approval is essential if the much-needed facility is to be built.

Details of the submission of the planning application are contained in a new timetable for the pool project that will go before councillors at the Economy, Inclusive Growth and Environment Scrutiny Committee today.

It shows that the opening date for the swimming pool is expected to be late September 2028.

A report to the committee states that it expected that planning approval will be granted in October this year with early works on site starting in the same month.

It is expected that full building work will start in January/February 2027 and finish in the summer 2028.

The new venue is expected to feature:

• An 8 lane, 25m main swimming pool with spectator seating for up to 300 seats
• A 4 lane, 20m learner pool with a moveable floor
• Space for a café, community and health rooms
• A fitness suite with 150 stations and separate studios
• Indoor soft play for children up to teenager years

However, the is some uncertainty about the final cost of the new pool and sports hall.

When the idea for the indoor pool was raised more than a year ago the cost was forecast to be £36 million

But an officer’s report to the committee states: “Councillors have ‘approved the borrowing required up to £37.1 million.

The total cost of building the facility will be further refined over the remainder of 2026.

And it warns that the council’s ruling cabinet “may be asked to consider further borrowing for any revised costs at its August meeting.”

And although former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced in November that £20 million from the Growth Mission Fund would be made available for the Peterborough pool project, the release of those funds is still subject to government officials approving the council’s full business case.