Published Daily record -
By Warren Hardie
15:38, 23 MAY 2019
Problem-hit PEAK pool to reopen after seven-month closure
It had been closed for repairs in 2018 following discovery of structural problems.
The main pool at the Peak Leisure Centre is due to reopen next month after being shut for seven months.
It has been closed last year for repairs following the discovery structural problems with the swimming baths.
But the main pool will open its doors to swimmers again at 7am on Saturday, June 1.
And during that weekend, swimming will be free for the public on a first-come, first served basis.
‘Learn to Swim’ lessons, which had been moved to other facilities, will also return to the centre on Monday, June 3.
The teaching and baby pool, however, is expected to remain closed until July for the installation a new movable floor.
Stirling Council has said the floor was not due for renewal for two years, but was brought forward to avoid further closures.
A ‘significant failure’ in the 25–metre, six-lane main pool’s concrete layer was discovered in November, causing the pool to be closed.
It was scheduled to re–open on December 16 following repair work but that was delayed after similar problems were found in the nearby teaching pool.
Both pools were due to re-open in March but that was put back until June because of repairs required to the training pool.
Chief executive at Active Stirling, Andrew Bain, said: “We are pleased to confirm that the main pool at The PEAK will reopen on Saturday, 1 June, with free swimming for everyone all weekend, and we look forward to welcoming all of our customers back.
“I would like to thank all of our customers, employees and partners for their support and understanding during what has been a most challenging time for us, in particular our members and learn to swim customers who have accommodated the swim options at other facilities across Stirling during this unanticipated long term disruption to the services we provide.”
Senior infrastructure manager at Stirling Council, Brian Roberts, said: “I can assure PEAK users the work has been completed to the highest standard, ensuring the pool is fit for purpose in the long term, and our full focus is now on completing the new movable floor in the teaching pool and re-opening it as soon as possible.”
Scottish Conservative group leader at Stirling Council, Neil Benny, said : “I know this has been very frustrating for all of us who use the pool but I am delighted it will finally be open very soon.
“The work needed has been substantial and now Active Stirling now has to encourage people to come back and use it. We should all support our sports centre and pool as much as possible.”