A major programme of repairs and equipment replacement is now underway at The Pickaquoy Centre as efforts continue to restore facilities damaged by flooding earlier this year.
The popular Orkney leisure centre is preparing for an intensive period of work throughout July and August following the significant flood event in January that affected key plant and operating systems.
The flooding caused failures to heating and ventilation equipment, pool circulation systems and electrical infrastructure, forcing the closure of several facilities on the newer side of the building.
Since then, the swimming pool, wet side changing facilities, Studio Two and other affected areas have remained closed while planning and design work was carried out ahead of permanent repairs.
The next phase will see major components removed and replaced, including pool plant equipment, heating systems, electrical switchgear and emergency lighting infrastructure.
Extensive preparatory work has already been completed, including a full redesign of heating and plant systems to ensure the replacement programme can move ahead as quickly as possible.
While the swimming pool remains closed, it has been drained to prevent stagnation and allow maintenance work to be carried out while repairs continue.
There is also hope that Studio Two could reopen sooner, with options currently being explored by the centre’s Group X team.
Managing Director of The Pickaquoy Centre, James Linklater, said:
“Alternative leisure facilities are available on the Orkney mainland at the Stromness Swimming Pool and Healthy Living Centres in Dounby and St Margaret’s Hope as well as the KGS Sports Centre, with these facilities are covered by the ActiveLife Scheme.
“The team at Stromness Pool and in the wider Sport and Leisure Service at the Council have done a tremendous job in increasing provision where possible and we’re grateful for that.
“We are also extremely grateful to our ActiveLife members and all our customers for their ongoing support, patience and empathy during this difficult time. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to our swimming facilities as soon as we can.”
The closure has placed increased demand on alternative facilities across Orkney, particularly Stromness Swimming Pool, where additional opening hours, swimming sessions and community activities have been introduced to help meet demand.
Orkney Islands Council’s Head of Active Communities, Garry Burton, said:
“As you would expect the closure of facilities at The Pickaquoy Centre has led to a significant increase in usage at the Stromness pool and other facilities like the KGS Sports Centre and Healthy Living Centre.
“Over March-June we saw the usage of the Stromness facility double with an increased average usage in the Centre of 53% over the 3 months.
“That’s no mean feat for our small team, but they’ve truly risen to the occasion and found ways to increase the provision across a number of activities that are much valued by our community and clubs.”
The aim is to reopen all affected facilities during August and September, although the final timetable will depend on the delivery and installation of specialist replacement equipment.
For many island residents, the reopening of the swimming pool and associated facilities will mark the end of a difficult period and the return of one of Orkney’s most important community assets.
