Sankey swimming pool will re-open next month

Warrington Borough Council and LiveWire have announced today, Tuesday that the new swimming pools will officially open on Saturday, April 6.

The six-lane main pool has been handed over by the contractor, BAM, to the council, along with the new-look training pool. Final water checks and fit out are now being completed, paving the way for the opening next month.

The project has been hit by numerous delays since the pools first closed in 2016.

The majority of the hub opened last year but the pool has been delayed time and time again - the latest being in autumn where a problem with the pipes meant a pre-Christmas opening was cancelled.

READ MORE > inside the new look Village 

The main pool has been completely refurbished, with new filtration systems, full insulation and retiling and is now deck level. The training pool has also been fully insulated and its width extended to 7.6 metres, providing improved access to swimming lessons.

Major improvements have also been made to the pool hall, with a new roof, insulation and ventilation system. The old ceilings have been removed to provide a light and airy feel, complemented with new energy efficient LED lighting.

A new viewing gallery will give spectators great views across both pools, as well as easy access to the vending and library areas.

The gym opened last year

There is also a new, 'changing village' - with single, double and family cubicles as well as two large group changing rooms, accessible changing room and changing places space with full hoist system.

Featuring new showers, vanity areas with hair dryers and a range of lockers – the changing village also provides access to the new sauna and steam rooms, with their own shower facilities.

Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins, said: “It’s great news that work on delivering this fantastic facility has now been completed. The major investment we have made will help bring new opportunities for local people to get active, discover a new hobby and improve their wellbeing.

“People have been patient with us as this work has progressed, and I think they will be delighted with what has been delivered – first class pools in high quality surroundings, which will benefit thousands of people for many years to come.

“The dementia-friendly Great Sankey Hub is already a tremendous asset for the north of Warrington, and the completion of the new pools means there are now even more reasons for people to visit and enjoy this wonderful facility.”

Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire, said: “We are grateful to have had people’s patience and understanding during the renovation of the pools at Great Sankey and we are pleased to now be in a position to announce that they will be opening soon. We know the pools will be a fantastic resource for the local community and, along with the other state-of-the-art facilities at the Hub, they will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people in the area.

“As well as the regular swimming sessions, we will have a comprehensive Swim England accredited Learn to Swim programme in place at Great Sankey which will be starting after the Easter holidays. This is suitable for non-swimmers right through to those with some experience looking to progress to deep water swimming or competitive opportunities.

“Again, thank you to everyone for your patience during the work to the pools – and we look forward to seeing everyone enjoying them come opening date and beyond.”

HOW LONG HAS THIS WORK BEEN DELAYED >

When the pool originally closed in August 2016, work was expected to take a year to complete.

However in summer 2017 it was confirmed the pool would not be open until the rest of the hub in early 2018.

The opening of the part of the hub, including the library and gym facilities, did happen in early 2018 but the pool was delayed – with bosses then hoping to open in August/September last year.

However in September, bosses announced a further delay.

They said the delay will be for 'some time' - and in early 2019 said it would be able to confirm a date soon.

The new garden spa opened last month.

And on Tuesday, it was announced the pool will finally open in April – almost three years after the facility first closed.