Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) has confirmed that Ripon’s new swimming pool and refurbished leisure centre will open in November.
Last month, it was revealed that a new sinkhole had been discovered in 2020 near the leisure centre entrance.
This follows an incident in February 2018, when a sinkhole opened up on the centre’s car park.
However, the council says that investigation of the second void, and any remedial work required, will not cause further delay to the £10 million-plus project.
Following a report from consultant engineers, councillors approved additional spending of £110,000 to pay for the investigation.
The current insured value of the leisure centre is £3,796,135 plus 10% contents, which the authority would lose, should any damage be caused as a result of the work on site.
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Once complete, the facility will include a six-lane, 25-metre pool, modern changing rooms, a sauna, an extended gym and an outside play area.
A spokesperson for HBC said:
“Thanks to this investment at Ripon Leisure Centre, the existing facility at Ripon Spa Baths will no longer be required.
“The sale, and redevelopment of the spa baths, will give this local listed building a new lease of life (subject to planning approval), retain key features and remain as a city landmark.”
The new pool offers a 70 per cent increase in water space compared with Ripon Spa Baths.
The improved leisure centre will also provide a new main entrance and lobby area, two new activity studios, a spin studio and meeting facilities.
Cllr Stanley Lumley, HBC’s cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, added:
“The addition of the new swimming pool, and the improvements to the leisure centre, will be a major development for Ripon and the surrounding area.
“They’ll provide much needed modern facilities that will encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle for our residents and something they can be proud of.”
While construction activity continues, HBC has confirmed that Ripon’s Spa Baths, which is still up for sale, will remain open.
The spa building, with its pool that was added in the 1930s, reopened on May 14 after closing in March 2020 due to covid.
For sale signs remain in place outside the building.
