Residents are being asked for their views to inform the plans and designs for a new swimming pool and leisure development in Peterborough.
The council has committed to delivering a new facility to replace the former Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre which will include an eight-lane, 25 metre pool, 20m learner/teaching pool and fitness suite.
More than half of the anticipated costs of the development have been secured, thanks to a £20million funding announcement by the Government in November from its Growth Mission Fund, subject to the submission of a full business case.
An online survey has launched today (Monday 2 March) which asks residents a range of questions and for their opinions on topics which will inform the design of the new development.
Questions focus on the features which residents rank the most important, including those relates to gym and fitness and swimming, facilities for children and young people, and access for older people and those with disabilities.
Further detailed public consultation will follow in the summer ahead of a planning application being submitted.
Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “We know how important it is for residents to see a new, modern swimming pool and leisure centre in the city and we are committed to delivering one as quickly as possible. The £20m injection from Government last November means we can progress at pace.
“As part of the RIBA design and construction process, funding for which was signed off by Cabinet in January, we are developing detailed proposals for the design and specifications for the new development and a key part of that is hearing from residents about what they want to see included.
“The initial feedback we received at the start of the year has been helpful, but this latest survey asks more detailed questions of our residents and will help inform the latest design phase.”
The survey also asks participants if they want to take part in focus groups to enable the council and its delivery partner, Alliance Leisure, to obtain more detailed feedback.
In addition, residents have the chance to attend an in person drop-in event to ask questions about the planned development and give their feedback at Sand Martin House on Monday 23 March, 3pm to 7pm.
Plans at this stage are for an eight-lane, 25 metre pool, 20m learner/teaching pool with a moveable floor, a cafe, a Tag Active soft play, health and wellbeing rooms, a 150-station fitness suite and two studios, plus a spin studio.
If the full £36.5m can be secured, construction work will start in early 2027, with completion expected in 2028.
The location of the new pool is being thoroughly considered with multiple sites reviewed and discussed with stakeholders. It is recommended that the pool should be city centre based to take advantage of the public transport links, proximity to the Lido and other commercial advantages.
The Peterborough New Leisure Development Feedback Survey closes on Sunday 29 March 2026.