Peterborough City Council has confirmed it is prepared to borrow £16 million to help fund a new indoor swimming pool and leisure centre for the city. Council Leader Shabina Qayyum made the pledge following a meeting on 26 March 2026, ensuring the project can move forward despite a total estimated cost of £36 million.
The city has already secured £20 million from the government towards the development. By committing to cover the remaining gap, the council aims to replace the public swimming facilities lost when the previous centre was demolished. The new site is planned for an area near the existing Lido and the ARU Peterborough campus.
The proposal has received backing from regional leadership, including the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow. Supporters of the project highlight the importance of restoring indoor swimming access for local residents, as the city has been without a dedicated public indoor facility since 2024.
According to reports, the council is continuing to look for additional funding sources to reduce the need for borrowing. If the full financing is confirmed, initial work is expected to begin in 2027, with the new facility aiming to open in 2028.
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