The new swimming pool and leisure development will be built next to the athletics track and south of the university, linking the building in with the Embankment.

More than half of the anticipated costs of the development have been secured, thanks to a £20million funding announcement by the Government in November 2025 from its Growth Mission Fund.

The council continues to look for ways to attract additional funding, however will fund the remainder if required.

The scheme includes an eight-lane, 25-metre pool, a 20-metre learner pool, and a full fitness suite. Plans also include a play facility for families, exercise studios, public health and community spaces, a café, disability changing places facilities and more.

Subject to planning approval in summer 2026, construction could begin in early 2027, with completion expected by autumn 2028.

Following an initial survey in 2025, an online survey was run for 4-weeks during March. Public focus groups also took place in addition to public drop-in sessions. A 'meet the design team' event on the 19th of May further allows members of the public to speak directly with the project team to find out more about the development.

The council has appointed Alliance Leisure as a development partner to design, manage, and deliver the leisure centre project, utilising the UK Leisure Framework for speed and efficiency.

The new leisure centre will directly support the council’s ambition for a net zero organisation and city, while creating a sustainability legacy for future generations. Designed to high energy efficiency standards and incorporating renewable energy technologies, the new facility will deliver a step change in performance, operating more efficiently than the decommissioned centre it replaces. More information on this will become available as the design plans are finalised.

A new bus stop, previously confirmed by the council, will be located on Bishops Road and will service both the new leisure centre and the ARU campus. Additionally, cycle routes and pedestrian footpaths will be maintained or improved in the area.

The new leisure centre facility is within walking distance of 10 public car parks. The council city wide car parking review, to support the city's ambitious regeneration and development plans, is being commissioned to review the city's need and current/optimum locations. Bishops Road car park will be the primary car park for the leisure centre.