Statement on Marple Pool
Marple Pool has been temporarily closed since 13th March 2018 due to problems with the pool filtration systems and pool fabric.
During the period of closure, Stockport Council has commissioned a series of surveys to understand the condition of the whole building, prior to committing further significant investment in the building. Pending the works being commissioned, Marple Pool will remain closed until at least the end of January 2019.
The condition surveys have suggested that investment in the region of £2.7million will be required in the site over the next 3 years. This will maintain the facility in its current form. During survey works, a number of issues of compliance with current regulations for swimming pools have been identified. There are major problems with the pool fabric and filtration systems, the shell of the building, and the mechanical and electrical systems. Although this work would bring the building up to current regulatory standards it would, however, be running at capacity with the limitations of the existing site. With this level of investment and the existing site constraints, it will not be possible to transform the building into a modern and fit for purpose centre which could widen the health and leisure options available to Marple residents. We know that the site is extremely well used and that there is demand for additional gym and swimming capacity in Marple.
The Council is committed to providing quality swimming and fitness facilities for residents in Marple and is in discussion with local Councillors on the best way of achieving this. The Council wants to keep all options open at this stage and has not yet made any decision on the pool’s future. To aid discussions, the Council has commissioned a leisure expert to investigate options for a new facility which could replace the current pool and gym and possibly offer a wider range of leisure and community facilities. This work has commenced and will develop a series of options for consultation with local residents and user groups.
In the meantime, the gym facility at the site will remain open to local residents. Alternative swimming facilities are available at Romiley, Hazel Grove and Grand Central. The Council recognises that the current closure of Marple Pool has had an impact on capacity at Life Leisure Romiley and will be working with Life Leisure and users to do our best to accommodate temporary users.
The Council has set up an e-mail address to answer any queries users and local residents may have about the facility. The address is marplepoolproject@stockport.gov.uk