Plans for the new leisure centre were submitted on Friday (July 24), with the centrepiece being the eight lane, 25m long swimming pool.
The development which will also include a 20m activity pool with moveable floor, cafe, family play, health and wellbeing rooms, a 150-station fitness suite and two studios, plus a spin studio.
The planning documents reveal a number of new, never seen before images of what the new building will look like if it is given the green light by planners later this year.
The documents also reveal concerns raised by residents – both in surveys and at in-person events – around the design of the pool – specifically asking for an Olympic sized, 50m long pool, rather than a 25m pool.
Following an engagement event at Peterborough City Council’s Sand Martin House headquarters, one of the discussion points raised was the size of the pool.
The planning documents said: “(There was) Disappointment from some members of the public that there is no 50m pool in the drawings. One member of the public mentioned that the diving blocks that are suggested would ensure swimmers are halfway down the pool before they start swimming.”
Focus group meetings held in April also raised the issue, saying: “The lack of a 50m pool and diving pit was a major point of debate, with attendees feeling it was a missed opportunity for hosting regional championships, though project leaders cited construction costs, heating expenses, and footprint constraint.”
And of 186 survey responses, 46 comments mentioned an Olympic or 50m pool, to attract competitions, generate revenue and support local swim clubs. Additionally, 14 comments diving facilities and deep water facilities, noting the lack of regional facilities for the sport.
However, cllr Shabina Qayyum, leader of the city council, said: “We had to be realistic, and not come with grandiose proposals.
"It is about the cost, how achievable it is to get full capital funding, and it is a sensitive development on the green space at the Embankment.
"We have a professional swimming club that needs provision.
"In 2028, we will have a sports quarter on our doorstep for everyone.”
