Swimmers call for more water time as Peterborough indoor pool faces £3.8 million revamp

Users of the Jack Hunt Swimming Pool in, Ledbury Road, Netherton, say they hope there can be a return to non-lane based early morning swimming, use of the pool in the evenings and the restoration of the popular aquafit sessions.

Their hopes have been expressed after it was announced that the 1970s-built swimming pool will benefit from a restoration next year that will see the facility closed for 24 weeks from the spring to September.

Officials at Peterborough City Council say the works and closure are essential to ensure the pool does not have to close regularly for repairs.

While swimmers say it is important the works are carried out there is a general wish for more opportunities to use the pool.

Commenting on the Peterborough Telegraph Facebook page, Niki Ady stated: “Would be lovely if they could also open it back up to the public for more sessions after the refit.

"I'm sure there are loads of people who would go back to the evening swim sessions and aqua fit classes.

"It seems that we have all but lost opportunities for adults to swim anything other than lanes early doors or family swim sessions when kids want to play around.

"Sad really when swimming is so good for the health and a necessary skill for safety.”

Graham Walker said: “It WAS much used by the public before covid but since then has only been available for short periods early in the morning or late evening.

"City Council at one time did not have pool attendants. Since then schools have visited for teaching swimming to children. This pool should serve much of west Peterborough but has not been the case.

"I hope that this pool is only closed when it is possible to use the Lido but there appears to be a gap in thinking when the work is carried out.”

Nicola Holmes stated: “I’m all for a refurb but sadly the local residents can’t use it like before.

" So unless they reopen up the slots again to the general public it will only be the swim clubs that benefit.

"I used to enjoy the aqua fit classes and early evening swimming. They stopped them during covid and never started them again.”

Rob Brookbanks asked: “What are the alternative plans for swimming provision in Peterborough during any works?

"Once the Lido closes in September Jack Hunt is the only facility available for early morning swimming for those in the north of the city.”

The planned repair works are expected to be agreed by the council’s cabinet on July 21.

If approved the work is expected to start in Spring 2027 and be completed by September 2027.

Defending the move to carry out the works, Councillor Zameer Ali, the council’s cabinet member for communities, said “We cannot afford to lose an asset like this which would deprive residents, especially children and young people, of essential opportunities for physical activity, skill development, and social engagement.”