City pushes ahead with 'sports quarter' plans

Peterborough City Council said a 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool was "more achievable" than an Olympic-sized one

A council is moving forward with plans for a new £36m leisure facility - which will feature a 25-metre, eight-lane city swimming pool.

In the coming days, Peterborough's cabinet members will consider the proposal for a new sports quarter on the city's Bishop's Road, which would replace the current Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre.

The complex would also include a 20-metre, four-lane learner pool with a moveable floor, balcony seating for 300 spectators, a café, and a fitness suite with additional studios.

Council leader Shabina Qayyum said that while an Olympic-sized 50-metre pool would be a "dream" for the city, the smaller facility was a "more realistic and achievable" prospect.

"I don't want to be someone who beats the drum for something we can't deliver," she said.

"Let's get started on these plans, secure funding in 2026, put forward a full business case, and get spades in the ground."

Ben Negus said he hoped the plans would emulate the success of Luton's regional pool

The former regional pool was decommissioned in March 2024 due to multiple structural issues - and demolished earlier this year after the council estimated it would cost £26m in repairs.

Following a review of potential sites and consultation with stakeholders, the authority concluded that a city centre location would be the most viable.

If approved, work will start on a detailed business plan to submit to the government, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), and other potential funders.

Ben Negus, head coach of the City of Peterborough Swimming Club (COPS), previously said a 50-metre pool would be "vital" to support future athletes.

However, speaking to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire on Wednesday, he described the new 25-metre plan as "a pragmatic solution and the bare minimum the city needs".

"The 50-metre pool is a gold standard, but the option put forward does cover the needs of the city and the swimming club," he said.

"The location is a great option — what an opportunity to have a sports quarter where young and old can enjoy leisure facilities on their doorstep."

"It is necessary to start building something sooner than later", Councillor Shabina Qayyum said

In June, Chancellor Rachel Reeves voiced her support for the project during a speech in parliament, saying the proposed sports quarter - which would form part of the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) campus in Peterborough - would "drive activity and community cohesion".

Ms Qayyum said that while a £47m, 50-metre Olympic-standard pool would be "a dream", it was unlikely the council could secure funding.

"We are putting forward a realistic, more pragmatic solution — one that is achievable and will benefit the city," she said.