Plymouth Life Centre to stay closed until April 2021 due to 'massive building faults'

Plymouth’s Life Centre will stay closed until April 2021 due to 'massive building faults' which need to be urgently repaired.

The city council says 'a number of issues' have developed since the centre opened eight years ago, including water leaks.

The Olympic-sized swimming pool, which has been used by diving and swimming stars including Tom Daley and Matthew Dixon, will be stripped back and relayed with waterproof layers.

Construction firm Balfour Beatty will fund the works.

Council leader Tudor Evans said: "We’re putting right massive building faults, and secured major improvements in running costs at no cost to the taxpayer and avoided millions of pounds of expenditure."

Peter Smith, deputy council leader, said: “We’re obviously very disappointed not to be able to reopen the Life Centre later this month. We know many people will have been looking forward to using the facilities again following lockdown restrictions.

“While the centre has been closed we’ve been able to do some more detailed investigation and survey work and the fact is we are looking at some issues that need to be sorted out as soon as possible.

“If we don’t carry out these essential repairs the issues will just get worse and ultimately put the long-term future of the building at risk. We have a duty to the people of Plymouth to give them the first-class facility they deserve and one they can continue to enjoy for many years to come.

Matthew Ashwell, Balfour Beatty commercial director, said: “We are working hard to plan and manage these works as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“We appreciate the patience of the public and the local community at this time and will continue to work in close collaboration with Plymouth City Council to ensure these works cause as little disruption as possible."

Other leisure centres around Plymouth will re-open over the next two weeks. For more information, click here.