Peterborough City Council has formally submitted planning applications for a new leisure centre on the Embankment, a project the authority says would cost about £41 million and could open in 2028 if permission and funding fall into place.
What the scheme would deliver
The proposals set out a facility combining wet and dry provision aimed at families, clubs and community users. Key elements detailed in the planning documents include:
- 25m eight‑lane pool for lane swimming and competitions
- 20m activity pool with a movable floor to vary depth for lessons and accessible use
- Fitness suites and several exercise studios
- Health and wellbeing rooms
- Cafe and a family play area
The council says it hopes construction will begin in early 2027 and that the centre could be welcoming its first visitors in 2028, though that timetable depends on planning approval and securing funding.
How it would be paid for
Funding for the scheme is proposed as a combination of government support and local resources. The council has applied for £20 million in government funding and plans to cover the remaining cost, estimated at about £21 million, from its own budgets.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total estimated cost | £41 million |
| Government funding sought | £20 million |
| Council contribution (approx.) | £21 million |
Local reaction and next steps
Labour group leader Shabina Qayyum said she had instructed planning staff to do everything possible to accelerate delivery of the new facility. The citys Labour MP, Andrew Pakes, described the centre as something that "couldn't come sooner" for the area.
"We must pull out all the stops to deliver a new leisure centre as quickly as possible."
If planners grant permission, work could start in early 2027. In the meantime the council awaits a decision on the sought government grant and internal agreement on the remaining capital allocation. The authority has framed the proposal as both a sporting and regeneration investment for the city centre, providing modern facilities to replace older provision and to support health and community activities.
Residents and local clubs will be watching the planning process closely. Questions likely to arise during consultations include the impact on transport and parking near the Embankment, the future of existing leisure sites, and how programming will meet demand from schools, community groups and swim clubs. The council will publish planning documentation and invite comments as part of the statutory process.
Further announcements will follow as the planning authority and funding bodies reach decisions on the application and the proposed grant bid.
