Work is progressing on essential structural repairs at Leisure at Cheltenham that have required the closure of the teaching pool and the Splash Pad.

The Cheltenham Trust, which manages the centre, and Cheltenham Borough Council, the owner of the building, have issued an update to customers, members and users on the progress of the repairs, and the anticipated schedule for re-opening.

Laurie Bell, CEO of The Cheltenham Trust, said: “The repair work is continuing and we have been advised that, subject to no issues arising, we should be able to re-open the teaching pool and Splash Pad in early April. This is positive news and we know our users, members and customers are keen to be able to use these wet side facilities again.

“We appreciate the support of Leisure at Cheltenham users and would like to thank them for their ongoing understanding that safety must remain the priority.”

The teaching pool and Splash Pad were closed in January following the findings by specialist structural engineers into areas of the building containing RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete), who advised that remedial work was required to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

Structural repair work is continuing to reinforce the sections of the ceiling structure containing RAAC concrete. The affected area is centred on the teaching pool and Splash Pad. The main pool and the rest of the building are not impacted and have continued to operate as normal.

Sessions usually held in the teaching pool and Splash Pad were moved, where possible, to the main pool, and additional dry side play sessions programmed in the soft play area for younger visitors.

The centre’s programme can be seen at www.leisure@cheltenham.com