Reopening date revealed for Shropshire leisure centre pool that's been closed for five months

The swimming pool of a south Shropshire leisure centre is getting ready to reopen - five months after work began on a major upgrade.

Staff at the SpArC Bishop’s Castle Leisure Centre have revealed that the pool will be reopening next Friday (July 17).

The multi‑million‑pound programme of improvements at the centre - including a full pool upgrade - got under way in February.

Work included essential repairs to the roof and the installation of easy‑access steps, a new poolside area and plant equipment and new fun floats for children.

The scheme also included decarbonisation work, to replace the ageing oil‑fired boiler with an all‑electric system. Prior to the work beginning, Shropshire Council said the change would cut carbon emissions by around 70 per cent and reduce running costs.

The combined cost of the work was expected to reach £3.939 million, with funding having been secured from several sources, including £2.4 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, £680k from the Community Infrastructure Levy and £505k from Shropshire Council’s capital repairs budget.

In addition £250,000 was raised by the local community and donated by the trustees of the Bishop’s Castle Save the SpArC charity.

The pool is due to reopen on July 17, with swimming lessons resuming the following week. A spokesperson for SpArC said the “finishing touches” were being made on a new year-round swimming programme.

They added: “This pool means so much to so many people, and we're incredibly grateful for the patience and encouragement shown throughout the closure.”