University told to pay for unbuilt swimming pool

The university said it was waiting for more information from the council about the demand for another swimming pool

The University of Cambridge has been told to pay the local authority for the cost of a swimming pool that was never built.

As part of the Eddington Cambridge development, the university was asked to contribute towards a pool as a section 106 (S106) commitment.

The university had until June 2024 - seven years after the first property was built - to fund the project.

A spokesperson at the university said they were waiting for more information from the local council about the future demand for a swimming pool.

A S106 typically aims to mitigate the impact of a development which would otherwise be considered unacceptable to local people.

Planning officers thought the new homes would put too much pressure on existing leisure centres.

Homes are still being sold at the Eddington development (pictured is Burkitt Lane in 2021)

Earlier this year, Varsity reported that the university would have to pay £600,000 to Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council if the pool was not ready.

The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service said it had "begun engaging with the university on this payment".

"The trigger in that planning permission for a financial contribution towards the provision of a swimming pool [facility] has been reached," a spokesperson said.

"That contribution is based upon the likely additional demand for swimming pool space by the residents of Eddington."

They added there was "scope" in the area for a new swimming pool.

The university said it was "continuing to engage with the local authorities to ensure its planning obligations are met, but does not currently have planning permission for a new pool".

It added: "If and when we receive outline planning permission for the Cambridge West site – with provision for additional leisure facilities – we will need to take into account an ongoing council review of leisure facilities, including swimming pool demand and future provision in the wider area, before considering a more detailed application."