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 location of the replacement pool has also been thoroughly considered with multiple sites reviewed. The conclusion from the consultants and stakeholder group is that the pool should be based in the city centre to take advantage of the public transport links, proximity to the Lido, and other commercial advantages. A preferred location at Bishops Road has been identified.

View maps and drawings for the pool location in Appendix A of the Peterborough Pool Development Primary Options Report (opens PDF on the Democracy Peterborough website).

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.

With the cost of the pool likely to be in the region of £38m, we will also explore funding opportunities from Sport England, Living Sport, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), and private funding opportunities.

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. This will be followed next year by the submission of a planning application for the development.

If we can secure the full £38m, construction work will start early in 2027. We would expect completion in late 2028.

Public consultation on a new pool will take place next year, ahead of submitting a planning application.

Peterborough City Centre