Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre, Shrewsbury – update 13 Feb 9.45am

Shropshire Council are continuing to assess the extent of the repair work at Shrewsbury’s Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre, following the damage caused by high winds on Sunday 9 February 2020 to the centre’s roof.

The centre will remain closed for at least a week, whilst further urgent work is undertaken to repair the roof and secure the surrounding area.

Current road closure and safety zones remain in place. In addition, further secure fencing has been set up by the main gates of The Quarry, near St Chad’s Church. 

Scaffolding was being erected yesterday (Wednesday 12 February) around the whole of the Quarry Pool and, subject to more adverse weather conditions forecast at the weekend, this should be completed by Tuesday 18 February.This will be followed by the removal of the current debris on the roof.  

Once this is complete, there will be a review to remove the exclusion zone and road closure to Priory Road and Victoria Quay. It is anticipated this will be by Friday 21 February. 

Road closure outside Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre

Following the opening of Priory Road and the entrance area to the centre, it may be possible to open the Priory/Claremont/Teaching Pools and Fitness Suite to the public at the same time. 

Further assessment will need to take place to the Quarry Pool roof, following the initial repairs, to ascertain the scale of the remedial work that needs to be undertaken. 

Once completed and assessed, it may be possible to re-open the Quarry Pool, subject to weather conditions, by Monday 2 March 2020. 

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure, waste and communications, said:- 

“Shropshire Council is currently inspecting the damage to the roof and we expect to have an update on the condition later this week. 

“We are aware this has caused disruption to users of the centre, and Shropshire Community Leisure Trust are contacting all members. We would like to thank everyone for their patience during this time. 

“Council officers continue speaking to businesses and residents in the area, to update them on the situation. 

“It is anticipated that most of the centre could reopen by 21 February, with the Quarry Pool anticipated to open a week later around 2 March.

“Once we have a decision on that, we will ensure all customers are informed.” 

Access to other leisure centres

Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre members are still able to access other centres at Shrewsbury Sports Village, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Market Drayton Swimming and Fitness Centres, and Whitchurch Swimming Pool. 

Public safety

With further strong winds forecast for the weekend, the public are being advised to avoid the area for their own safety, whilst further inspections continue and subsequent repairs begin.