Designs for £36m new pool recommended for approval

A new swimming pool for Peterborough has moved a step closer after technical designs were recommended for approval by the council.

Plans to build a 25m (82ft) eight-lane pool were approved in October 2025, subject to funding, and a month later the government said it would contribute £20m.

The pool and leisure centre are designed to replace the city's 1970s Regional Pool, bulldozed due to structural issues.

At a meeting on Tuesday, Labour-led Peterborough City Council's cabinet approved funding, subject to full council agreement, for further stages, including the technical designs.

Cabinet members also agreed at the meeting that the contract for the technical work should be given to Alliance Leisure.

The new complex is expected to include a 20m (65ft) four-lane learner pool with moveable floor, seating for 300 people, a cafe, soft play centre, health suite and community rooms.

Total build costs for the pool project are estimated to be about £36m.

Shabina Qayyum, Labour leader of the council, said: "We are rapidly progressing with our plans for building the new leisure facility and expect to have confirmation of government funding in May 2026.

"Our residents have been waiting a long time for this new pool.

"Swimming is a fundamental life skill for young people and I will do everything in my power to get this new pool open as quickly as possible.

"This decision will be an important stage which will take us a step closer to a new pool opening."

If the full £36.5m can be secured, construction work is expected to start in early 2027, with completion expected in 2028, although a location for the city's new pool has not yet been decided.

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