The full reopening of the Tuebrook site has been delayed for around five years
Refurbishment of a long-delayed Liverpool leisure centre “could and should have” been dealt with better, according to the city council leader. It was revealed last month that the indoor pool at Peter Lloyd leisure centre in Tuebrook could now remain closed until 2026.
There had been hopes at the start of this year that after a staggered reopening, swimmers would be able to get back in the water at Peter Lloyd in Tuebrook. After four years of delay, increasing bills, anger and confusion, the doors finally reopened at the Lifestyles leisure centre on Bankfield Road last summer.
Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, told a phone-in on BBC Radio Merseyside that a “myriad of different things” had contributed to the lengthy delays. The Labour group chief admitted the entirety of the site should have been open for use by now.
Since before the covid-19 pandemic, residents in Tuebrook had been unable to access the site amid years of countless apologies and pushbacks on much needed work being completed on the site. In July 2024, a £2m investment was completed to bring at least half of the sports and leisure venue back to life.
There had been initial suggestions the pool area would be pushed back by a “few more weeks” from last year’s opening, which later turned into reports of at least another four months.
In June, a Liverpool Council spokesperson has confirmed the water side may not even reopen before the end of this year, leaving half the site still unable to be used almost 18 months after the venue welcomed back patrons. It is estimated that closure of the site has lost the local authority £1m a year in potential revenue.
Cllr Robinson said he hoped the pool would reopen “in the next few months.” He said: “It’s been closed far too long, I’m not going to shy away from the fact that we could and should have managed this better in previous times.”
Officials also felt the lengthy shutdown drove potential users into the arms of private gym providers like JD and PureGym who were able to plug the gap.
Last summer, Cllr Harry Doyle, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, said the two-stage opening required “a few more weeks to ensure the pool is in full working order.”
The lengthy setbacks have situated around replacing 40-year-old equipment in the plant room at the leisure centre.
Cllr Doyle told committee members before Christmas how contractors identified “major issues” with the mechanics after it had been switched off for so long.
