Link Centre Pool Will Not Re-Open Until Next February

The swimming pool at The Link leisure centre will not re-open until 11 February next year, following the discovery of structural problems during re-tiling work.

The pool, which was built in the mid-1980s, was expected to be closed for six weeks, with a re-opening date of 10 September.

However, after removing the old tiles, contractors have found cracks in the concrete ducts around the pool, severely corroded pipework and problems with the render surfaces of the walls, among other problems. Much of the work required to repair the pool will need to be done by specialist contractors.

Swimming clubs with events booked at the pool have been advised of the new re-opening date and given help where possible to find alternative venues.

Keith Williams, Swindon Borough Council cabinet member for leisure and strategic transport, said: “The length of the delay before re-opening is very disappointing, and we’re sorry it’s going to be so long.

“When the work started we had no reason to believe it wasn’t simply a straightforward re-tiling job, but what has since been discovered is serious, and it’s going to take time to put right.

“Clearly, next February is a long way off, but it’s a realistic date and will allow all the work to be done properly. We didn’t want to hope for the best and give an earlier date which then might have slipped, leaving users such as clubs and schools no time to re-organise events they had planned.”

Alternative venues include the council pools at Highworth and Dorcan recreation centres and the Health Hydro in Milton Road, along with other independently-run pools inside and outside the Borough.