Plea to Peterborough residents to help design new £36million indoor public swimming pool

An online survey has just been launched to seek the views of residents to inform the plans and designs for a new swimming pool and leisure development and is expected to be built on a site off Bishop’s Road.

It asks residents a range of questions and for their opinions on topics which will inform the design of the new development, which is expected to form part of a sports quarter at ARU Peterborough.

Questions focus on the features which residents rank the most important, including those relating to gym and fitness and swimming, facilities for children and young people, and access for older people and those with disabilities.

Further detailed public consultation will follow in the summer ahead of a planning application being submitted.

The proposal is to construct an eight-lane, 25 metre pool plus 20 metre learner and teaching pool that will also feature a moveable floor, a cafe, a Tag Active soft play, health and wellbeing rooms, a 150-station fitness suite and two studios, plus a spin studio.

It will replace the former Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre.

If the full £36.5 million cost of the project can be secured, construction work will start in early 2027, with completion expected in 2028.

The project has been kickstarted by a £20 million funding announcement by the Government in November from its Growth Mission Fund, subject to the submission of a full business case.

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “We know how important it is for residents to see a new, modern swimming pool and leisure centre in the city and we are committed to delivering one as quickly as possible.

"The £20 million injection from Government last November means we can progress at pace.

“As part of the RIBA design and construction process, funding for which was signed off by Cabinet in January, we are developing detailed proposals for the design and specifications for the new development and a key part of that is hearing from residents about what they want to see included.

“The initial feedback we received at the start of the year has been helpful, but this latest survey asks more detailed questions of our residents and will help inform the latest design phase.”

The survey also asks participants if they want to take part in focus groups to enable the council and its delivery partner, Alliance Leisure, to obtain more detailed feedback.

In addition, residents have the chance to attend an in person drop-in event to ask questions about the planned development and give their feedback at Sand Martin House on Monday, March 23 from 3pm to 7pm.

The location of the new pool is being considered with multiple sites reviewed and discussed with stakeholders.

It is recommended that the pool should be city centre based to take advantage of the public transport links, proximity to the Lido and other commercial advantages.

The survey is available to here and closes on Sunday, March 29 2026.