Date: 08/02/2010
Much needed improvements to a popular but outdated swimming pool look set to be finished by June.
High Peak Borough Council closed Buxton Swimming Pool in November for a major facelift.
The first stage of the overhaul is focusing on improvements to the pool hall and changing rooms as well as refitting of plant and machinery.
The roof is being replaced and modern insulation introduced to reduce heat loss, condensation and corrosion.
Once the pool reopens, a second phase will see the construction of new health and fitness facilities including a gym and group exercise studio.
Said Andrew Bingham, Executive Councillor for Social and Community Development: "These major improvements underline our commitment and that of our partner, DC Leisure, to promoting healthy lifestyles and giving High Peak residents the modern facilities they have a right to expect in the 21st Century.
"We had hoped initially to have the pool open again for Easter. However, we have had to revise our timescales because of badly corroded internal steel work and unanticipated damage to the roof structure. Further faults have also been found in the plant room.
"I am bitterly disappointed that the pool will not be open by Easter as I would have liked, but these extra problems need to be addressed and cannot be ignored.
"Fortunately, good project management enabled us to identify the additional problems fairly early on and keep costs under tight control. The good news, therefore, is that the project will still be delivered within budget", he revealed.