Splash World pool still a year from re-opening

Splash World’s pool area is set to remain closed for another 12 months, Sefton Council has confirmed.

Documents published by Sefton Council in May revealed a £1.4m repair bill to fix “significant health and safety concerns” at Splashword amid warnings that “further funding may be required to complete the entire scheme.”

Customers of the Splash World have also been advised to wear earplugs during periods of high noise.

On Monday Active Sefton said on their Facebook page: “Extensive refuribhsment works will commence in Splash World starting 5th July 2021. This work will last for approximately 50 weeks. We are notifying all fitness suite customers there will be periods of high noise levels in the fitness suite from the construction site.

We have requested contractors to insulate as best they can and we will provide earplugs to members during the high noise periods. However, we’re advised that construction noise will be unavoidable.”

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “We are working hard to ensure Dunes Splashworld, Southport is reopen as soon as possible for its communities and visitors to once again enjoy

“The water park was temporarily closed in December 2019 in order for the building to undergo essential refurbishment and regeneration works but were unfortunately set back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During this time Splashworld was temporarily adapted as a specialist SMART testing unit for COVID-19, playing a pivotal role in keeping residents and key workers safe from potential infection.

“Now, as Sefton Council looks to boost all aspects of the economy as it recovers from the impact of the pandemic, refurbishment works are set to resume at Splashworld.

“These contained works are expected to last around 50 weeks and we have contacted all Dunes Leisure fitness suite members to make them aware of potential and unavoidable noise disruption during this time.

“Dunes Leisure services will remain fully operational during these works, however an option is in place for Dunes members to temporarily pause their membership while these works are taking place. For more information please email Retention@sefton.gov.uk”

The pool complex at Splash World has been closed since 2019. Sefton Council had said of the temporary closure at the time: “This is incredibly welcome news which will see Splash World benefit from updated facilities, and potentially the addition of some new facilities for people to enjoy for many years to come.”

However in May it was revealed that: “A scheme of remedial works is required to deal with failure in the steel frame coating (paint) system, along with concrete repairs to failed areas of the flume tower staircase. The tiling of the pool wall and floor surfaces also needs replacement due it [sic] becoming seperated from its backing, along with replacement of the associated background (adhesive) and sub base materials.”