The leader of Liverpool Council said delays at Peter Lloyd had been “completely unacceptable”
Peter Lloyd Lifestyles in Tuebrook(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A community left without its swimming pool for six years is more likely to see the Tour de France peloton go past before it reopens according to a frustrated city councillor. Billy Lake, who represents Tuebrook Larkhill ward said it was a “disgrace” Peter Lloyd leisure centre was still without its pool after initially closing in 2019.
There had been hopes at the start of last year that after a staggered reopening, swimmers would be able to get back in the water. After four years of delay, increasing bills, anger and confusion, the doors finally reopened on the dry side of the venue on Bankfield Road in July 2024.
Speaking during a meeting of the full Liverpool Council this week, Cllr Lake said residents in Tuebrook had heard years of “broken promises” from local authority leaders on progress at the site. Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of the city council, conceded the delays at Peter Lloyd had been “completely unacceptable.”
The ECHO revealed earlier this month how representatives in Tuebrook had been informed at long last, a number of defects had been identified around the pool which have now been resolved. It is estimated that closure of the site has lost the local authority £1m a year in potential revenue.
During the dry-side reopening in July 2024, 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.” A full 18 months have passed since Cllr Doyle’s proclamation.
Speaking at the Town Hall, Cllr Lake said it was more likely that the recently announced Tour de France visit to Liverpool would come before swimmers getting back into the water at the leisure centre. He added: “We have had years of broken promises in relation to the reopening of the pool.”
Peter Lloyd Lifestyles in Tuebrook(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Cllr Robinson said: “I’m going to be dead direct to say the delay has been completely unacceptable. Not going to shy away from that.
“As leader, I have commissioned a lessons learned exercise. I am not going to predetermine what that says but it’s very clear to me that episode cannot be repeated.”
Earlier this month, a note from Mark Lancaster, Liverpool Council business and strategic delivery manager, seen by the LDRS, revealed challenges had emerged in changing the 40-year old equipment at Peter Lloyd.
He said: “Since the successful reopening of the Lifestyles Peter Lloyd dry side in July 2024 we have been working hard to get the pool side open. Following the opening of the dry side of the facility – which is proving to be a really welcomed investment – a number of defects were identified in the pool area.
“These involved leaks, pumps, seals, the flow meter, valves, electrical boards and pipework and bracketery. We also needed to repair tiling within the pool hall.
“In addition, a replacement air handling unit was needed which would meet current regulations. The installation of the new equipment required adjustment to existing pipe runs along with some work to the fabric of the building to allow installation.
“I am pleased to say that this work has now completed. The new air heating system is undergoing commissioning this week and we are hoping to announce the re-opening of the pool soon, dependent on the last few areas of scheduled work being completed.”
Mr Lancaster’s note added: “We appreciate how important the facility is to the local and wider city community and are hopeful that the pool can soon re-open safely, providing the opportunity for our customers to once again access the valued community asset.”