The days of Peterborough’s Regional Pool are all but over. Once a hub for swimmers of all levels, the site has been largely dismantled, with only remnants of its original structure still standing. By next month, the demolition will be complete, leaving the city without an indoor public swimming facility—a gap many hope will be quickly addressed.
Despite the pool’s closure, Peterborough City Council has vowed to retain ownership of the land while plans for its future use take shape. Positioned next to the ARU Peterborough campus, the site is considered prime real estate for a new 50-metre indoor pool that could anchor a university sports quarter. The idea is gaining traction, with supporters arguing that keeping such a facility in the city centre would be beneficial for both students and residents.
Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes reinforced the vision, stating, “There is a growing consensus that next door to ARU Peterborough is the best site for the pool. Keeping the pool in the city centre and as part of a university and sports quarter has huge attractions.”
Securing funding for the project, however, remains the biggest challenge. The council is preparing a business case for an Olympic-grade swimming pool, with costs projected between £25 million and £40 million. With council budgets stretched thin, external investment will likely be necessary, with the authority’s main contribution coming in the form of the land itself.
Councillor Dennis Jones, leader of Peterborough City Council, acknowledged the ongoing efforts, saying, “Plans for a new leisure centre continue to be explored, and we are working to bring a business case forward to Cabinet soon. We continue to seek investors interested in supporting a new pool development.”
The City of Peterborough Swimming Club (COPS) has also weighed in, emphasizing the advantages of a top-tier indoor pool—not only for local swimmers but also for the wider economic development of the city.
For now, discussions continue. Keeping the site under public ownership gives hope that a modern facility could rise where the old pool once stood, but with no firm decisions yet announced, the wait for clarity continues.
Gallery: The Pool’s Final Days
CambsNews has closely followed the demolition of the Peterborough Regional Pool, documenting its transformation from a beloved city landmark to rubble. The latest images capture the site as it is gradually dismantled, with large skips hauling away the remains of the once-thriving facility.
The pool’s disappearance marks the end of an era, but many hope it will soon be replaced by a modern facility that serves the city’s growing needs.
