Frequently Asked Questions

What does Fusion Lifestyle going into administration mean for Cleveland Pools? Fusion Lifestyle’s administration does not have an immediate operational impact, as the Pools have remained closed since the January 2024 flood. It does, however, change the context in which the Trust is operating. The Trust is working with its advisers and partners to understand the implications and to seek to secure full control of the site.

What happened to Cleveland Pools? In January 2024, the Pools were affected following flooding from the River Avon. We now understand that water entered the plant room because the locking mechanism on the flood-protection door was not fully effective during the flood. Further damage occurred beneath the pool when it was emptied without first managing groundwater levels, which placed pressure on the structure and pipework. This damage meant the Pools had to close to protect the site and ensure safety.

How serious is the damage? Since the flooding, the Trust has carried out detailed technical and engineering investigations. These confirmed damage to the plant room and equipment, as well as pipework beneath the main pool, all of which will need to be repaired before the Pools can reopen.

What is understood about how the damage occurred? Investigations indicate that the extent of damage was influenced by how water entered the plant room and how the pool was subsequently managed during emptying. These findings have helped the Trust understand both the repairs required and how resilience can be improved in future.

Who are the Pools for? Cleveland Pools is a public, community-focused facility. Our aim is to create a place that is welcoming, accessible and beneficial to a wide range of people — including local residents, families, swimmers and community groups. As part of the next phase, we are looking at how access, affordability and community use can be strengthened further.

Have inspections and surveys now been completed? Yes. A series of specialist surveys and investigations have now been completed. These were complex and time-consuming and involved structural, mechanical and engineering specialists.

Why is it taking so long to reopen? The Pools are a historic site with specialist systems and structures. Understanding the full extent of the damage safely and properly had to come first. Now that this work is complete, the Trust is finalising repair options, costs and funding routes. The Trust’s ability to act has also been constrained while the site remained subject to an exclusive sublease, which is now being resolved..

Why can’t the Pools just reopen? The damage affects key systems and areas beneath the pool, which must be properly repaired before reopening. As a historic structure, this work needs to be carried out carefully and safely, and requires funding, design work and appropriate permissions.

How much will it cost to repair the Pools? Updated cost estimates are currently being finalised. Early indications are that the repairs will involve a significant funding requirement, which presents a major challenge for a small local charity.

When will the Pools reopen? At this stage, it is not possible to give a reopening date. Reopening will depend on securing sufficient funding, completing design and repair work, and obtaining any necessary permissions. The Trust will share further updates as plans become clearer, including as it works to secure full control of the site. Progress is expected to become clearer as the Trust works to secure full control of the site.

Why wasn’t the Pools designed to prevent flooding? The possibility that the site would flood was a key consideration of the original restoration design. The Trust is now reviewing whether further improvements can be made as part of the repair works to strengthen resilience to future extreme weather events.

Was the original restoration a failure or a waste of money? No. The restoration brought a nationally significant heritage site back into public use after nearly 40 years of closure, supported by a wide range of funders and the local community. The Pools reopened successfully in 2023 and were widely used and well received. The current situation relates to the impact of flooding and subsequent damage, not the overall value or significance of the restoration.

Is the Trust still committed to reopening the Pools? Yes. Despite the setback and the scale of the challenge, the Trustees remain determined to see swimmers return to Cleveland Pools and for the site to continue as a valued community asset. We are also using this moment to look at how the Pools can evolve — with stronger community involvement, improved access and a broader health and wellbeing offer.

Where will the money come from to reopen the Pools? The Trust is exploring a range of funding options, including grants, trusts and other forms of investment. This will take time and careful planning. Any future funding applications will be subject to funders’ usual assessment and decision-making processes and cannot be guaranteed.

Has there been a change in leadership at the Trust? Yes. Following the flooding and as the Trust enters a new phase, the Chair and Deputy Chair stepped down. The Trust is rebuilding and strengthening its trustee board and skills, including the appointment of a new Chair, to ensure it continues to have the capacity and leadership needed to manage the next stage responsibly.

What is happening at the site now? The Pools remain closed to the public. The Trust continues to care for and secure the site, supported by volunteers, while plans for repair and funding are developed. The Trust is also working to secure full control of the site following the operator entering administration.

How can supporters help? Supporters can help by staying engaged, sharing accurate information and continuing to champion the future of Cleveland Pools. We will share further opportunities to get involved, including volunteering and fundraising, as plans develop.

Where can I find updates? Updates will be shared on the Cleveland Pools website and through our usual communication channels as and when more information becomes available. We are committed to providing clearer and more regular updates as this work progresses.