The bid covers proposed work to two separate areas of the building: the roof above the plant room and pool hall; and the service area beneath the main pool.

The roof area contains Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), a lightweight construction material used in some public buildings between the 1950s and 1990s, which is now known to be less durable than traditional concrete.

Independent structural engineers have confirmed that the affected roof area is stable, and regular inspections have found no signs of movement or major deterioration. Engineers have assessed that the pool hall continues to be safe to use.

This position has remained unchanged since RAAC was confirmed in February 2024 following a detailed condition survey. Since then, additional roof supports have been installed, and the Council has operated an enhanced inspection regime. This includes six-monthly inspections by structural engineers, weekly maintenance checks and daily on-site checks by management.

Capital funding is now sought to move from ongoing monitoring and temporary measures towards a planned, longer-lasting solution for the roof area.

The funding bid also includes planned improvement work to the area beneath the main pool, where age-related wear consistent with older concrete swimming pools has been identified. The proposed work, which is separate to the RAAC issue, would include repairs to the concrete as part of routine maintenance.

The funding bid will be considered by councillors as part of the Council’s 2026/27 budget-setting process in March 2026.

The bid is being proposed as part of normal capital planning. If it is not approved, the existing inspection and monitoring regime would continue but the risk of future unplanned closures at the Complex would increase.