The main phase of repairs that will allow two popular swimming pools to reopen to the public is set to start next week.
We have committed to a £1.2 million repair programme to secure the future of the pools in Richmond, which were forced to close in April last year following a partial collapse of the building’s ceiling.
Preparatory work has been under way at Active North Yorkshire Richmond for several months and the next stage of work is expected to begin on Wednesday 1 April.
This will include the safe removal of sealed asbestos from the roof space, which was identified earlier this year, as well as replacing the ceiling and undertaking both mechanical and electrical repairs.
While the asbestos was encapsulated and has not posed any health risk to pool users or anyone who previously accessed the building, it is being removed as part of the repairs programme.
The work is due to be completed by early autumn, subject to any prolonged adverse weather or unforeseen emergencies.
Our executive member for leisure, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “This is a welcome update.
“We know how important the facilities at Active North Yorkshire Richmond are to the community, and that’s why we have been firm in our commitment to protecting the long-term future of the pools by carrying out these vital repairs.
“The programme remains on track, despite the identification of asbestos which required some extra work, but we have expedited other tasks to ensure everything continues to run to schedule.
“These repairs must be carried out correctly and to a high standard, so that our customers can continue to enjoy the swimming pools and the facility remains a valued part of the town’s fabric. We are all looking forward to it reopening when it is safe to do so.”
The swimming pool building will be closed to the public from Tuesday7 April, for the full duration of the works. The pool café will also close from that date but is expected to reopen as soon as possible while the works are ongoing.
The footpath leading to the riverside walk and the leisure and wellbeing hub will remain open as usual.
However, there will be no public access to the road from the station car park to the hub via the underpass during the works. Diversion signs will be in place showing the alternative route.
Anyone with special access needs is asked to contact the council no later than Wednesday 1 April, by calling 0300 131 2131.
While the Richmond building is being repaired, customers can use pool facilities at our neighbouring Active North Yorkshire sites.
Find more information on the diversions and sign up for alerts.