Pickaquoy Swimming Pool reopening set for mid-November

Significant progress continues to be made on the extensive repair and replacement programme at the Pickaquoy Centre, with the facility now expected to reopen in mid-November.

Work has been progressing across a number of areas following the major flooding event that resulted in the closure of parts of the Centre earlier this year.  

Key milestones have been achieved across the works, with several workstreams either completed or well advanced, while crucial electrical and heating system upgrades will continue over the coming weeks.

Among the progress made to date, repairs to the pool plant are substantially complete, temporary electrical supplies have been reinstated to parts of the building including the squash courts and Studio 2, and the majority of the removal and strip-out works associated with the heating system replacement have been carried out.  

New heating equipment has also started arriving on site, while contractors have continued investigations and repairs to associated systems including fire alarms, sprinkler infrastructure and building fabric.

A major phase of electrical works is due to start at the beginning of September.  

Replacement components for the main switch panel have been ordered and are expected to arrive shortly, with a planned three-week shutdown required to complete repairs and safely restore permanent electrical systems throughout the building.

At the same time, installation of the new heating infrastructure will continue, with priority being given to bringing the low temperature hot water system back into operation. This system will provide heating to the pool water and underfloor heating within the pool area and is expected to be operational by mid-November.

While this will allow the building to reopen and operate safely during the colder months, further work will continue beyond reopening. The final phase of the heating replacement project, including the installation and commissioning of new heat pumps, is not expected to be completed until early 2027 due to manufacturing and delivery lead times.  

Contractors have advised that these remaining works can largely be undertaken while the building is operational. 

Other ongoing works include:

• Replacement of LED and emergency lighting throughout the centre.
• Completion of commissioning works associated with the pool plant and heating systems.
• Inspection and testing of the pool air handling unit before the pool can be refilled and brought back into operation.
• Sanitisation and recommissioning of domestic water systems.
• Remedial works and inspections to the sprinkler system.
• Repainting and repairs to areas within the pool hall, including replacement of water-damaged wall and ceiling tiles.

James Linklater, Managing Director of The Pickaquoy Centre, 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.” 

Over the course of the closure of the facilities at Picky, staff at Stromness Swimming Pool and fitness centre have worked hard to increase service provision including:

• 18-20 additional opening hours per week
• Four additional school swimming sessions a week
• 21 hourly lane sessions for OASC on top of standard sessions at Stromness, along with additional galas and the intercounty swimming competition
• A weekly Octopush session
• A weekly aquanatal class
• A weekly Inclusive Orkney session 
• 6.5hrs of time for The Pickaquoy Centre’s Learn to Swim programme. 

Garry Burton is Orkney Islands Council's Head of Active Communities.  He 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.”