The timetable for the replacement of the poolside tiles at Worcester's Perdiswell Leisure Centre has been revealed, with the swimming pools set to close for 12 weeks over the summer.
The temporary closure will allow new tiling to be installed in the pool hall, providing a new improved anti-slip surface for users of both the main eight-lane pool and the smaller multi-use pool.
The pool will close from 20 June to 11 September, coinciding with the summer holidays, when fewer people are swimming indoors.
The poolside changing rooms will close earlier, to allow the tiles to be replaced there. That work will start on 9 May, but swimmers of all ages and abilities will still be able to enjoy the pools by using the changing rooms in the leisure centre's 'dry-side'.
Other facilities at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, including the gym, exercise classes, outdoor pitches and tennis courts, will remain open as usual throughout the summer.
The Council and Freedom Leisure, which operates the leisure centre on its behalf, are working hard to make alternative arrangements so that people can continue to enjoy swimming pool access over the summer. Worcester swimmers who are Freedom members will be able to use the Malvern Splash pool, and details of additional arrangements will be announced soon.
Lloyd Griffiths, the City Council's Corporate Director of Operations, Homes & Communities, said: "The new tiles will provide a superior non-slip surface for swimmers and learners.
"This is a major piece of work and, unfortunately, it does require us to completely close the pool hall for 12 weeks. We hope the many people who enjoy and benefit from using the Perdiswell pools will forgive the inconvenience and look forward to the improved facility when it reopens in September."
The Council had hoped to carry out the work sooner, but it has been delayed by the pandemic.
The plans for the upgrading of the tiles are set out in a report to be considered by the Policy and Resources Committee on Tuesday 8 February.
The Committee will be asked to support a budget of £323,329 for the work, with a final decision expected to be taken by the full Council on February 22.
Additionally, the Committee will be asked to approve a loss of income payment of £320,120 to Freedom Leisure.
