Meet the design team event - Tuesday 19 May
Residents are invited to view detailed plans and speak to the design team behind Peterborough's new leisure development at an event taking place on Tuesday 19 May 2026, 10am to 7pm, at Sand Martin House, Fletton Quays.
For more information about the event, please read our press release - 'First chance to view detailed plans for new leisure development.'
Latest project update
In January 2026, Cabinet agreed to approve technical designs for a new swimming pool and leisure centre (subject to Full Council approval). It also approved Alliance Leisure Services (ALS) to undertake this work.
This means the journey to the completion of a new swimming pool in the city centre is a step closer.
A dedicated website for the new leisure development provides the latest information on the project, including images, floor plans, timescales and more.
Why this project is taking place
In March 2024, Cabinet agreed to decommission the Regional Pool and Fitness Centre due to several structural and repair issues which meant the centre had reached the end of its natural life.
In May 2024, we appointed Alliance Leisure Services (ALS) to undertake feasibility work for a replacement pool and fitness centre.
A report identified that swimming pool capacity in Peterborough is low and that the existing public swimming stock is at capacity. It is also highly unlikely to cope with increased usage either as a consequence of more people swimming or through the demand created by increases in population growth.
Options developed for consideration
Several options were developed. These were considered by our Cabinet at a meeting on 14 October 2025.
View the New Leisure Facility report on the Democracy Peterborough website (opens PDF).
At this meeting, Members approved plans for a new eight lane, 25 metre swimming pool and fitness centre as their preferred option. This is subject to funding being secured.
The proposed facility would also include:
- Poolside and balcony seating
- Four lane, 20 metre learner pool with moveable floor
- Cafe
- Soft play
- Health and wellbeing suite
- Community room
- Health rooms
- Fitness suite with 150 stations
- Exercise studios
Regular meetings have been taking place between council officers and key stakeholders in the project, including:
- Both Peterborough MPs
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA)
- Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Peterborough
- City of Peterborough Swimming Club
- Friends of the Lido
- Living Sport
It is this work that led officers to recommend the development of plans for an eight lane, 25 metre pool.
Location
The new swimming pool and leisure facility will be built south of the university and adjacent to the athletics track, overlooking the Embankment.
Gallery of design images
Funding sources
On 26 November 2025, the Government announced that it will provide £20m towards a new swimming pool and leisure centre from its new £240m Growth Mission Fund, set up to support local economic growth. The funding is subject to the approval of a full business case.
We have committed to funding the remainder of the project, expected to be around £16m. We also continue to seek private sector funding or grants to assist with the costs.
Next steps
We are currently in the design phase for the project, working closely with Alliance Leisure Services (ALS), who are national specialists in leisure developments.
A planning application for the development is due to be submitted in July 2026. Construction work is likely to start in early 2027 with completion expected in 2028.