Swimming pool at Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Sudbury to reopen on 11 December

The swimming pool was initially forced to close on 23 August after damage was identified to a glass roof panel directly above it.

There were hopes it would be a quick repair, but further investigations revealed other roof panels – made of specialist safety glass - were also showing signs of delaminating, presenting a more complex problem than first thought.

This has forced Babergh District Council to examine a number of long-term options for the entire glass section of roof, which has around 170 bespoke panels.

Proposals will be brought forward in due course, but interim work is now set to be completed, ready for the pool to reopen on 11 December. All other facilities at Kingfisher, including the gym, have remained open as usual.

Cllr Laura Smith, Babergh’s cabinet member for Thriving Communities, said:

“We’d like to thank everyone for their understanding – we know this closure has caused disruption, but we have had to put people’s safety first. 

“This has been a complex problem, and we have had to balance the need to reopen the pool as quickly as possible with finding the best long-term solution for the leisure centre and its users. 

“We are delighted the pool can now reopen and can’t wait to welcome swimmers back.”

The glass roof above the pool has been sealed, and an additional platform is being installed just beneath it. This ensures it is safe to reopen the pool, though it will limit access to the spectator seating area.

The opportunity has also been taken to carry out additional pool repairs during the closure. While the council invested £2.3million in improving facilities at the leisure centre in 2019, the original pool building is nearly 40 years old.

Long-term proposals for the roof are being developed, and one option includes removing the glass section and replacing it with an alternative design.

Cllr Smith explained:

“This could present a better option than a like-for-like replacement of the existing glass, and we are working on the design and costings. We will bring forward proposals in due course.”

The leisure centre is owned by Babergh Council and operated by not-for-profit social enterprise Abbeycroft.

Warren Smyth, chief executive of Abbeycroft, added: “We know how frustrating the closure has been for our pool users, and we’ll be delighted to see them return. 

“We will be contacting customers directly about their memberships and until the pool reopens all other Kingfisher facilities remain open and members can use any of our other five swimming pools. I would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”