Crucial repair works that will see two popular swimming pools reopen to the public are set to run into early autumn after sealed asbestos was identified in the roof space.
In October 2025, we committed to a £1.2 million repair programme to protect the future of th pools in Richmond and ensure the safety of users.
Both public pools at Active North Yorkshire Richmond have been closed since April last year following a partial collapse of the building’s ceiling.
The commitment to carry out the repairs followed a public survey where more than 2,200 members of the local community expressed how important the pool was to the town and the surrounding area, and how it plays a crucial role for local swimming clubs.
However, the repairs are now having to take longer after asbestos was detected in the roof of the building during the delivery of the agreed programme of works.
These works have already started – but the repair programme needs to be extended to allow its safe removal. The asbestos was encapsulated so has not posed any health risk to pool users or anybody else who has previously accessed the building.
Executive member for leisure, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “We all want the swimming pools in Richmond to reopen as soon as possible, so they can continue to benefit communities and support our county-wide vision to promote health and wellbeing.
“The identification of asbestos means some extra work is required to allows its safe removal. However, I would like to reiterate that the asbestos has not posed any risk whatsoever to anybody who has previously used the facilities.
“The repair programme is already underway and is now likely to run into the early autumn. Where possible, we are looking to expedite some of the other works to give us the best chance of reopening the pools at the earliest opportunity.
“What became abundantly clear from the public survey was that Richmond Swimming Pool is an incredibly valued and vital part of the town’s fabric. I am delighted that this will remain the case as a result of our commitment.
“I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing patience and cooperation, and I look forward to seeing the facilities used and enjoyed again by the public as soon as possible.”
A consultation into the future of the pool held last year saw residents express widespread support for reopening the facility after essential repairs.
More than half of those surveyed said they used the facility at least once a week, with 91 per cent feeling it was either “very important” or “moderately important” that the site was saved.
Works to repair the Richmond pools are ongoing and customers will be given a definite reopening date as the repairs continue to progress.
While the facilities are being repaired, customers can use pool facilities at our neighbouring Active North Yorkshire sites.
The café, gym, class studio, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi remain open as normal.
The work in Richmond forms part of the authority’s plans for a wider leisure investment strategy, which has been drawn up after we launched the new Active North Yorkshire service in 2024.
The service is aimed at improving the opportunities for people to become and stay active at every stage of their life – with the next phase looking at how investment in the council’s facilities can help to deliver this aim and to create financially sustainable services.
Find more information, including details about swimming lessons and bookings.