THE reopening of a swimming pool at an East Riding leisure centre has been delayed by unforeseen building works.
The pool at Haltemprice Leisure Centre had originally been scheduled to open in spring but now will not be open until the start of summer.
The work is part of a £6m scheme that will see other services, including a GP surgery and library, under the same roof in Anlaby.
Darren Stevens, head of culture and information at East Riding Council, said: "The revised completion date, from spring to summer 2014, is in relation to the swimming pool phase of the Haltemprice Leisure Centre refurbishment.
"It is due to a combination of drainage, tiling and minor maintenance works to the ceiling."
The refurbishment of the swimming pool, changing rooms and plant room is the second stage of the 20-month redevelopment, which will also include the addition of a customer service centre, as well as improved leisure facilities.
The centre is now revising plans for school and regular swimming lessons, but still expects the swimming pool to be open to customers in time for the start of the school summer holidays.
Mr Stevens said: "The council is committed to working with the different user groups of the Haltemprice swimming pool, to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
"Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances can develop with projects of this nature and complexity as they progress but, when the work is complete, our residents will be able to enjoy first-class leisure facilities for decades to come."
Haltemprice is the most well-used leisure centre in the East Riding and the upgrade is designed to make it fit for the demands of more than 1.1 million annual visitors.
The project, which started in April this year, is about 35 per cent complete and the council said, despite the delays to the swimming pool, it is still hoped the whole project will be completed in autumn 2014.
Mr Stevens said: "Several other phases of work, including the refurbishment of the squash courts and the new 3G football pitches, have already been completed and are available for use.
"The council anticipates that the new extension to the rear of the building that will act as the reception area, will be complete in the coming weeks and that the overall end date of the scheme, in autumn 2014, will remain the same.
"While the council undertakes this important £6m capital investment, Haltemprice Leisure Centre members have had their memberships reduced by a third, a commitment the council will continue to honour until the scheme is complete."
Hobson & Porter, of Hull, is the main contractor for the scheme, which will also include improvements to cut running costs, as well as improve the venue's energy efficiency.
The scheme will also allow Anlaby Library to more than quadruple its opening hours from 22 a week, as well as provide up-to-date amenities, including web access and self-service machines.
When complete, council leader Stephen Parnaby believes the facility will be among the best in the UK.
He said: "The refurbishment would put it at the forefront of leisure facilities in the UK."
Visit www.haltempriceleisurecentre.co.uk
