Pools to be rebuilt in leisure centre revamp

The redevelopment of a leisure centre is likely to cost significantly more than originally planned - after structural engineers recommended demolishing and rebuilding the ageing pool and facility.

Fenland District Council plans to transform the Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey, near Peterborough, as part of a project originally valued at £18.67m.

But Chris Boden, leader of Fenland District Council, told a meeting how rising construction costs and the increased scale of the redevelopment meant the final figure would be higher.

"We are now talking about a larger project than we were talking about before," added Boden, a Conservative councillor.

Parts of the building expected to be kept will now need to be replaced, which means a fresh planning application will be needed.

The project forms part of the council's Fenland Inspire investment programme, which aims to improve leisure facilities and public spaces across the district.

Plans for the centre include a refurbished swimming pool, a new café and covered padel courts.

Earlier this year, the scheme received a £2m grant from Sport England to support the redevelopment plans, which was seen as a major "boost" to the project.

Investigations carried out during the design process found significant concerns, including cracking, water leakage and evidence of movement or deformation within the pool structure and plant areas, which are now deemed unsuitable to keep and reuse.

The leisure centre has previously been described by the council as having reached the end of its useful life.

It would cost more than £4m to keep open in its current form.

Despite the setback, Boden remained positive about the scheme.

"This is a major, incredibly aspirational project to create a facility fit for the future," he said.

A report from the council's cabinet outlining the latest position, updated costs and potential next steps is expected to be published in October.

A new application is expected to be submitted shortly after that.

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