Wavertree Aquatics to reopen after delays

Following the closure of one of the pools in April last year, repair works have completed and the sports facility is set to reopen on Monday 9 March.

The 50-metre pool was closed following an electrical fault in a high-level light fitting that exploded and littered the pool with glass. Some of the glass slipped underneath the moveable floor, later exposing defective concrete.

Liverpool City Council invested £500,000 in repairing the pool, which was originally scheduled to reopen in February. The extent of the works meant it took time to source the correct tiles and other associated pool products to match the remaining pool tiles, according to the council.

Engineers have now refilled the pool, tested the moveable floor and taken water samples, which have passed tests.

Cllr Wendy Simon, deputy mayor of Liverpool, said: “We know this news will be welcomed by swimmers who regularly use the Aquatics Centre and who have been understandably frustrated at its closure.

“We encountered a number of unprecedented difficulties relating to defects from the construction of the pool over a decade ago, which meant we had to carry out detailed and complex investigative work to uncover the extent of the problem.

“I hope people will understand that we took the time and care to look properly at the issue and work out the best way to carry out the repair.”

She added: “Despite the fact we have real financial challenges, we found almost half a million pounds to carry out this work because we know how popular the Aquatics Centre is, and make it fit for the future.”

A separate, 20-metre pool at the aquatics centre run by fitness operator Lifestyle, has been open as normal with classes taking place. Swimming teams were accommodated at other Lifestyle-branded centres across Liverpool and received a reduction in membership fees.