A project is underway to deliver a new swimming pool and leisure facility for Peterborough.
On 24 July 2026, we submitted a planning application for the new facility, which will feature a new eight-lane, 25 metre swimming pool along with a 20m activity pool, café, fitness suite, soft play and more.
We plan for the building to be located south of the university and adjacent to the athletics track, overlooking the Embankment.
Why this project is taking place
In March 2024, Cabinet agreed to decommission the Regional Pool and Fitness Centre. This was due to several structural and repair issues which meant the centre had reached the end of its natural life.
In May 2024, we appointed Alliance Leisure Services (ALS) to undertake feasibility work for a replacement pool and fitness centre.
A report identified that swimming pool capacity in Peterborough is low and that the existing public swimming stock is at capacity. It is also highly unlikely to cope with increased usage either because of more people swimming or through the demand created by increases in population growth.
Features of the new facility
Several options were developed for the design of the new swimming pool and leisure facility. These were considered by our Cabinet at a meeting on 14 October 2025.
View the New Leisure Facility report on the Democracy Peterborough website (opens PDF).
At this meeting, Members approved plans for a new eight-lane, 25 metres swimming pool and fitness centre as their preferred option.
The proposed facility would also include:
- Poolside and balcony seating
- Four lane, 20 metre learner pool with moveable floor
- Cafe
- Soft play
- Health and wellbeing suite
- Community room
- Health rooms
- Fitness suite with 150 stations
- Exercise studios
Regular meetings have been taking place between council officers and key stakeholders in the project, including:
- Both Peterborough MPs
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA)
- Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Peterborough
- City of Peterborough Swimming Club
- Friends of the Lido
- Living Sport
It is this work that led officers to recommend the development of plans for an eight lane, 25 metre pool.
Gallery of design images
Funding sources
On 26 November 2025, the Government announced that it will provide £20m towards a new swimming pool and leisure centre from its new £240m Growth Mission Fund, set up to support local economic growth. The funding is subject to the approval of a full business case. We expect to hear from the Government on our business case submission shortly.
We have committed to funding the remainder of the project, expected to be around £21m. We also continue to seek private sector funding or grants to assist with the costs.
Timeline of project so far
- March 2024 - Cabinet agreed to decommission the Regional Pool and Fitness Centre
- May 2024 - Alliance Leisure Services (ALS) appointed to undertake the feasibility work for a replacement pool and fitness centre
- October 2025 - Cabinet approved plans for a new eight-lane, 25 metre swimming pool and fitness centre
- November 2025 - Government announced that it will provide £20m from its Growth Mission Fund towards the new facility, subject to approval of a full business case
- January 2026 - Cabinet agreed to approve technical designs for a new swimming pool and leisure centre (subject to Full Council approval) and for ALS to undertake this work
- March 2026 - Engagement with residents through an online survey and a number of focus groups - online survey received 934 responses
- May 2026 - Residents invited to meet the designers and view detailed plans for the facility
- July 2026 - Planning application submitted - view our press release 'New leisure development moves a step closer'
The timeline is currently for construction work to start in early 2027 with completion expected in 2028.
Peterborough Leisure website
A dedicated website for the new leisure development provides the latest information on the project, including images, floor plans, timescales and more.
Visit the Peterborough Leisure website.
Contact information
For more information, please email growthandregeneration@peterborough.gov.uk.