Orkney swimming pool expected to reopen in November

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 08:32 · Archive

The Pickaquoy Centre's swimming pool in Kirkwall is expected to reopen towards the end of November after flooding in January damaged key infrastructure and forced a nine-month closure of the pool, squash courts, wet side changing facilities and Studio Two.

Orkney Islands Council says work to repair and replace systems has progressed well. Contractors have completed repairs to the pool hall, installed replacement lighting, upgraded shower facilities, fitted new pool covers and replaced damaged tiles. Work continues on commissioning the pool plant and heating systems, and domestic water systems will be sanitised before reopening. The timeline depends on delivery of specialist electrical components for the main switch panel, expected in November.

The pool will reopen using an interim heating system until new heat pumps, expected to arrive in November, are fully installed early next year. James Linklater, managing director of The Pickaquoy Centre, said local contractors had 'worked tirelessly' and expressed hope of reopening towards the end of November. Orkney Islands Council's head of active communities said he was pleased to see repair works completed and the reopening 'getting closer'.

Orkney Amateur Swimming Club's head coach said the club's 83 swimmers are 'delighted' with the news. The club normally uses the pool daily but has been forced to use Stromness Swimming Pool, around 15 miles away, during the closure. The coach said some swimmers have faced 60-mile round trips to maintain training.

How it is being reported

• Orkney’s swimmers ready to return to Pickaquoy Centre’s pool after nine months of closureOrkney Amateur Swimming Club says some swimmers have faced 60-mile round trips to train in Stromness during the closurePress and Journal · 22 Oct, 08:00
• November re-opening expected for Picky poolThe swimming pool at The Pickaquoy Centre is expected to reopen next month. Flooding in January caused significant damage to key infrastructure at the centre. This resulted in the temporary closure of the “new side” of the building, including the swimming pool, squash courts, wet side changing facilities and Studio Two. Orkney Islands Council says […] The post November re-opening expected for Picky pool appeared first on The Orcadian Online .The Orcadian · 20 Oct, 15:17

In this story: Pickaquoy Centre · Orkney Islands Council · Orkney Amateur Swimming Club · Kirkwall · Stromness

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