Work is to start on the transformation of an Aberdeen swimming pool that will include a gym and wellness centre and combine with other amenities to create a new community sports hub.  

CHAP Group has been appointed by Aberdeen City Council (ACC) to carry out the £4.8 million refurbishment of Northfield Swimming Pool following a competitive tendering exercise. The work is being funded by ACC with significant support from Sport Aberdeen, which operates the city’s leisure venues, as well as from sportscotland.  

The council-owned facility was built in 1996 and comprises a traditional 25-metre six-lane tank.  

The pool closed due to equipment failures and as part of the contract significant elements of the mechanical and electrical plant will be replaced along with fixtures and fittings. In addition, the new facility will include:  

• A larger, fully accessible changing village;  
• Group changing and family changing;  
• 40-station fitness suite;  
• Multi-purpose studio;  
• Dry changing facilities;  
• Clinical suites for use by NHS Grampian;  
• Additional car and cycle parking.  

The business case was approved by the City Growth and Resources Committee but the plan had to be put on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions.  

Councillor Gordon Graham, vice convener of Capital Programme Committee, said: “To be progressing with the build is fantastic news for both the local community and Aberdeen as a whole.  

“Together with Sport Aberdeen the council is committing a very significant financial investment to deliver a state-of-the-art health, fitness and sport hub. In addition to technical upgrades to the pool itself, the new facilities will provide an exciting wellness centre for the local communities of Northfield and Mastrick, and people across the city.  

“The new dry facilities will greatly broaden its appeal, increase income, and so help make the pool more financially self-sustaining long into the future.” 

Sport Aberdeen has been awarded funding of £100,000 from sportscotland, Scotland’s national sporting body, to support the project – the maximum amount awarded for capital projects. 

We look forward to delivering this fantastic venue for the Northfield community, creating the opportunity for more people of all ages and abilities to access first class sport and physical activity facilities.

Tony Dawson, Chairman

Sport Aberdeen chairman Tony Dawson said: “We are delighted to reach this significant milestone in the refurbishment and expansion of Northfield Swimming Pool.  

“Along with our partners at Aberdeen City Council, we have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to ensure this project has kept momentum over the last, very challenging year.  

“The support of sportscotland, by way of a significant funding grant, is very gratefully received and we look forward to delivering this fantastic venue for the Northfield community, creating the opportunity for more people of all ages and abilities to access first class sport and physical activity facilities.”  

Stewart Harris, chief executive, sportscotland, said: “This is a fantastic example of partnership working where, by combining our resources, we can make a real impact where it matters. That’s why we were delighted to provide support and investment to Aberdeen City Council and Sport Aberdeen to help make this project a reality.

“It is thanks to funding from the National Lottery, which raises £36 million a week for Good Causes, that we are able to invest in projects like the Northfield Pool. This development will provide more opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity right at the heart of the communities where they live.”

The pool is expected to open in summer 2022. 

Hugh Craigie, Managing Director at CHAP Group, said: “CHAP Group are pleased to have been awarded the upgrade project at Northfield Swimming Pool. The planned upgrades and extension to the existing facilities will rejuvenate Northfield Swimming Pool and bring the amenity up to date. We look forward to working alongside Aberdeen City Council and Sport Aberdeen to deliver this exciting project.”

The site is next to a recently completed third generation 3G artificial turf pitch at Northfield Academy, and a sports centre comprising bowling greens and tennis courts. Part of the project will involve landscaping to connect these facilities. 

Pictured: (left to right) Sport Aberdeen board chairman Tony Dawson; Sport Aberdeen managing director Alistair Robertson; Councillor Gordon Graham; and Ron Liddell, CHAP construction director.