It will replace a previous swimming pool and fitness centre demolished in 2024

The building of a new swimming pool and fitness centre in Peterborough took a significant step forward at Peterborough City Council’s Budget meeting on Wednesday (February 25).

Councillor Zameer Ali (Lab), Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty and Public Health, asked them to approve plans that will enable the project to enter the next stages of pre-construction development.

“Planning permission is expected to be submitted in July 2026,” Cllr Ali said. “Subject to approval, preliminary works are anticipated to begin in October 2026, with construction of the building commencing in February 2027.”

“The council remains on track to open the new leisure centre in September 2028,” he added.

The new facility will be the only public indoor swimming pool in Peterborough, replacing the 1970s-era Regional Pool and Fitness Centre on Bishops Road, which was demolished in 2024 due to structural issues.

Along with an eight-lane, 25 metre pool and a 20 metre four-lane learner pool (with moveable floor), the proposed facility will feature poolside and balcony seating, a café, soft play, health and wellbeing suite, community room, and health rooms. A fitness suite with 150 stations and studios would also be included.

Cllr Ali reported more than half of the anticipated costs of the pool have been earmarked via a £20million funding initiative by central government’s Growth Mission Fund, following the submission of a full business case.

“The submission sets a clear and compelling economic and strategic case for investment for the important facility,” Cllr Ali concluded.

Council Leader Cllr Shabina Qayyum (Lab) said she was ‘delighted’. “We’ve reached the stage now where we can genuinely say that a new swimming pool is coming to our city,” she said.

It is believed the preferred location site for the new venue would be close to the old Regional Pool site – with the new Cygnet Bridge set to be built near the proposed entrance. Cllr Qayyum said having a city centre location for this sports facility would be “absolutely brilliant”.

Councillors voted to approve the plans, which will see Alliance Leisure Services Limited (ALS) awarded a contract and budget that will enable it to generate technical designs – known as RIBA 3 and 4 – for the new development.