Leisure centre’s main pool closed for emergency maintenance

The main swimming pool at Central Leisure Centre in Rochdale has been forced to close after a pipe was damaged during work on the new leisure centre being built next door.

The pool closed for emergency maintenance on Wednesday (30 November) and is not expected to re-open until the end of December.

Swimmers are still able to use the 23m pool and the 15m learner pool until the 30.5m pool re-opens. 

A spokesperson for Link4Life, said: “An underground pipe at Central Leisure has been damaged during exploratory groundworks on site relating to the relocation of St Andrew’s Church once Central closes in 2012.

“This damage caused the main pool to lose water.

“The contractor is currently carrying out repairs and this has involved the draining of the pool. Because of the age of the cast iron pipe a purpose built sleeve has had to be made to repair the pipe and this is expected to be fitted by the end of this week.

“Once this is in place it will be tested under pressure. If the repair is sound then the process of refilling the pool will begin. This has to be carried out slowly and it will take at least ten days to refill the pool and bring it back up to temperature.

“It will not be possible to confirm the reopening date until testing is complete but this is expected to be at the end of December.

“We will aim to keep customers informed via our website at www.link4life.org, on Facebook, Twitter and via the Reception at Central, telephone number 01706 924213.”
Link4Life have developed a temporary timetable which can be viewed here. 

Link4life swimming lessons are as normal lesson programme in the learner pool and small pool.

The new leisure centre is due to open next summer. The £10.8million development will feature an eight-lane 25 metre swimming pool and a 17 metre learner pool with moveable floor, sauna and steam rooms, two fitness suites, dance studios and a four-court sports hall.