The public swimming pool at Catmose Sports Centre in Oakham is to remain closed beyond the latest COVID-19 lockdown, following a condition survey raising concerns about the structural safety of the building.

Rutland County Council's Cabinet on 12 January 2021 gave approval for a project to examine the future recreation, leisure and wellbeing needs of local residents.

This is being done to support the recommissioning of leisure services in the County, with contracts for the ongoing management of Catmose Sports Centre due to expire in the next two years.

A review is also needed as the last full assessment of Rutland's wider sport and recreation provision was undertaken in 2015.

Having carried out a full condition survey of the facilities at Catmose Sports Centre as a first step in the needs analysis and re-procurement process, it has been confirmed that the swimming pool should not be used unless major structural improvements are made to the building in which it is housed.

Discussions are now ongoing between Catmose College (who own the campus site), Rutland County Council (who lease the sports and swimming facilities for public use) and Stevenage Leisure Ltd (who are contracted to manage the sports centre and pool).

Coun Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "Leisure and sports facilities like fitness centres, gyms and swimming pools are currently required to close under the latest COVID-19 restrictions for England. They are expected to remain closed until March, at the earliest.

"Having given the go-ahead for a major project to understand the future leisure and wellbeing needs of people in Rutland, a building survey looking at the condition of the current facilities at Catmose Sports Centre has made it clear there are significant concerns about the structure housing the swimming pool.

"All parties involved in the running of Catmose Swimming Pool are therefore in agreement that it should not reopen after lockdown.

"The needs assessment that prompted this condition survey will still take place, as planned. Discussions about the long-term future of Catmose Swimming Pool will continue alongside the needs assessment.

"The level of work required to make the pool structure safe and the estimated cost of that work mean it's not something that can be undertaken as a quick fix. It will need to form part of wider considerations about the long-term future of leisure provision in Rutland."

The needs assessment to examine the future demand for leisure and wellbeing services in Rutland is due to get underway in spring, with dates and details of how to take part to be confirmed.