The Pickaquoy Centre swimming pool is expected to reopen in mid November as an extensive programme of repairs following major flooding earlier this year continues to make progress.
Work is advancing across the Kirkwall facility, with repairs to the pool plant substantially complete and major electrical and heating upgrades now moving into their next stages.
Temporary electrical supplies have already been restored to parts of the building, including the squash courts and Studio 2, while most of the removal work required for replacement of the heating system has been completed.
New heating equipment has started arriving on site and contractors are continuing repairs and investigations involving fire alarms, sprinkler systems and the fabric of the building.
A major phase of electrical work is due to begin at the start of September, with replacement components for the main switch panel expected to arrive shortly.
A three week shutdown will then be required to carry out the repairs and safely restore permanent electrical systems throughout the building.
Installation of the new heating infrastructure will continue alongside that work, with priority being given to restoring the low temperature hot water system responsible for heating the pool water and underfloor heating around the pool.
That system is expected to be operational by mid November, allowing the building to reopen safely during the colder months.
Further work will continue after reopening, with new heat pumps not expected to be fully installed and commissioned until early 2027 because of manufacturing and delivery times.
Contractors expect most of that remaining work to be possible while the building is open.
Other jobs still to be completed include replacement lighting, testing of the pool air handling unit, recommissioning water systems, sprinkler repairs and work to areas of the pool hall damaged by water.
Pickaquoy Centre Managing Director James Linklater said:
“We’re pleased to see steady progress being made across what is a highly complex programme of repair and replacement works.
“The latest programme gives us confidence that we can now work towards reopening the centre in mid-November.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding shown by our customers, clubs and community groups while this work continues as well as the support being provided by Orkney Islands Council and local contractors.”
Stromness Swimming Pool and fitness centre has increased its provision during the closure, including additional opening hours, school swimming sessions, club training and activities.
Orkney Islands Council Head of Active Communities Garry Burton said:
“It is pleasing to see the progress made to date, and that the reopening of the swimming pool and associated facilities will now happen in a matter of weeks rather than months.
“Orkney is incredibly fortunate to have two mainland swimming pools that has meant that clubs, schools and ActiveLife members have been able to continue to train, learn and be physically active during the closure of the swimming pool at Picky.
“Management and staff at Stromness Swimming Pool have done an excellent job accommodating the needs of clubs and community, for which I’m extremely grateful to them all.
“This flooding event was a significant incident that had major implications, and I want to extend my thanks to all people and organisations involved that continue to work in what is a complexed and challenging environment.”
