Sponsored by
When will pool open?
"SERIOUS concerns" have been raised as to when Buxton's swimming pool will actually re-open — almost ten months after it was closed to the public.
The much delayed 3 million project to refurbish the tired and outdated facility was originally due to be completed by Easter.
But after major problems were discovered involving the structure of the floor and roof, the opening was back until the end of September.
However High Peak Borough Council admitted this week, when pressed by the Advertiser, that this is now in doubt and there is currently no fixed date as to when the pool will re-open.
Councillor Jean Wharmby, Executive Member for Social and Community Development, said: "Unfortunately, the transformation of this 1970s building has presented major challenges, including the removal and recasting of a concrete floor that was found to be in very poor condition.
"In addition, the structural steel frame of the building was severely corroded and has had to be replaced almost entirely.
"These and other difficulties have caused delays which mean that the anticipated completion date of September may no longer be achievable.
"Recognising the importance of this project to the people of High Peak, we have raised serious concerns with the contractors at the length of time this project is taking, and discussions are now underway to ensure that work is completed as soon as possible but without any compromising of our very high design standards."
A second phase of the project is the creation of a fitness suite.
Cllr Wharmby said it was likely that the fitness suite would be available for use a month after the reopening of the pool.
The council is set to issue a further statement following completion of the discussions currently taking place.
The Pool was closed to the public on November 7 last year. After initial stripping out work was carried out contractors then started work in the spring.
The pool was due to re-open in Easter but that was put back, and at the beginning of June the Advertiser and representatives of Buxton Swimming Club were taken round the site.
At that time High Peak Borough Council stated: "Keeping the swimming club and the public in general abreast of the situation is a key part of it now."
High Peak's leisure centres are managed by DC Leisure under contract to the Council.
The delays to the refurbishment of Buxton Pool have caused difficulties for regular users of the facility which include Buxton Swimming Club and children whose swimming lessons have been put on hold.
While the majority of staff have been redeployed to other leisure centres in the High Peak, some opted to take unpaid leave in the expectation of returning to work at Easter.
Buxton Swimming Club has seen a fall in membership with members facing a weekly 25-mile round trip to Bakewell to swim — while four of their most talented youngsters have been travelling to Derby five times a week to train.
The club have been assured of help from the Council to re-establish themselves when the pool re-opens.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Buxton
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy snow
Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
