July 6, 2022 1.33 pm This story is over 20 months old

Christmas hopes for Yarborough swimming pool reopening

The pool has been closed since January
The site of Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
By Local Democracy Reporter

Lincoln’s only public swimming pool at Yarborough Leisure Centre will not reopen until at least Christmas time following extensive works to repair a damaged roof.

The tale of the main swimming pool at Yarborough Leisure Centre has been a complex one. It was temporarily closed by City of Lincoln Council on January 6 this year, following a structural issue with the ceiling found during a routine inspection.

It was initially expected to be closed for around a week, but the complexity of the works meant a reopening had to be delayed until summer – though the learner pool was able to reopen at the end of January.

A further inspection showed that extensive works had to be done to the ceiling to ensure maximum safety, and the programme of works with specialist contractors has now been complete – but that doesn’t mean the end.

City of Lincoln Council are now saying that repairs above the main pool could be ready for a Christmas reopening, but cannot confirm this date due to how “challenging” the project is.

| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Cllr Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council, explained the complexities of the repair scheme and why it has taken so long to complete

He said: “We have now finalised the programme of works with our specialist contractors and are progressing to repairs on site.

“With all projects such as this, we would usually spend months on the planning process prior to closure. This ensures that the works create as little disruption as possible. However, as we had to close the main pool suddenly following a routine inspection, this work has had to be done after closure rather than before.

“We are aware that pools across the country are closing permanently at this difficult time, however, we are determined to ensure Lincoln’s only public pool is back up and running as soon and as safely as possible.”

The council has confirmed that the teaching pool will stay open to accommodate junior swimming lessons as well as parent and toddler sessions, but an exact opening date for the main pool still cannot be pinpointed.

Cllr Bushell added: “The teaching pool will remain open throughout the works and we will strive to complete the repairs above the main pool by Christmas this year but, as this is an exceptionally complex and challenging project, that date can only be confirmed as we move further into the works over the coming months. 

“We are focused on delivering improved leisure facilities that continue to inspire and offer opportunities for all and Yarborough plays a crucial role in this. It is an incredibly important asset to the community and alongside our partners, Active Nation, we thank our members and users of the pool for their continued patience.”