Olympia Leisure Centre (2013) Explained

Olympia Leisure Centre
Opened:June 2013
Closed:October 2021
Operator:Leisure and Culture Dundee

The Olympia Leisure Centre is a swimming pool in Dundee, Scotland. It was closed for two years until it reopened on 18 December 2023.

History

The building was constructed to replace the original Olympia Leisure Centre and is situated on a former car park. Construction began in January 2011 and was due to be completed in September 2012 with a budget of £31.5 million.[1] The main contractor was Balfour Beatty.[2]

The pool opened in June 2013. An official opening by Shona Robison was held in September 2013.[3]

In September 2021, problems were identified with light fixings, resulting in the closure of the pool in October. Initially the operators stated it would remain closed at least until December 18, 2023.[4] On 10 November the operators stated it would be closed until further notice.[5] Further investigations following the closure found more structural issues. A £4.5 million repair program was launched which is expected to be completed by late 2022.[6] [7] Olympia was reopened on 18 December 2023 after a two year closure.

The flumes, leisure pool, and children's pool were closed in February 2024 after a metal rod fell. They are expected to reopen in May.[8]

Facilities

The Centre includes a 50 metre variable-depth pool, wave pool, rapids, and a fitness suite.[9] There is also a cafe,[10] and a multi-storey car park.

References

  1. News: 2011-01-31 . Work starts on £31.5m swimming pool complex in Dundee . en-GB . BBC News . 2022-05-10.
  2. Web site: Brady . Jon . 2022-03-22 . Dundee Olympia pool repairs cancel out council's £4.6m cheapest bid saving . 2022-05-05 . Daily Record . en.
  3. News: 2013-09-20 . Dundee's Olympia pool officially opened . en-GB . BBC News . 2022-05-05.
  4. Web site: Scott . Katy . 2021-10-14 . Olympia swimming pools to stay closed until December 18, 2023.. 2022-05-06 . The Courier . en-GB.
  5. Web site: Flett . Amie . Bell . Matteo . Dundee Olympia swimming pools could stay shut until at least December . 2022-05-06 . The Courier . en-GB.
  6. Web site: 45-week maintenance programme outlined for Dundee leisure centre . 2022-05-05 . Scottish Construction Now . en.
  7. However, newspaper reports suggest that it could be closed until October 2023.Web site: Dundee Olympia swimming pool stays shut until October 2023 amid £6.1m revamp . 2023-01-28. Daily Record . en.
  8. Web site: MacDonald . Ben . 2024-04-23 . Olympia Dundee reopening plans confirmed after latest 3-month closure . 2024-04-24 . The Courier . en-GB.
  9. Web site: Anstey . Tom . £31m pool in Dundee set to open next week . 2022-05-08 . Leisure Opportunities.
  10. Web site: Cafe Olympia . 2022-05-06 . Willow Catering.