Bicester Leisure Centre reopening confirmed after disruption

Bicester Leisure Centre has confirmed it will reopen fully on Monday, August 10, following several weeks of partial and complete closures.

However, the centre will remain fully closed tomorrow (Friday, August 7) with scheduled swimming lessons moved to Kidlington Leisure Centre.

While the changing rooms have been closed and the toilets moved to the car park, the gym, sports hall and outdoor pitches have remained in use during most of the works.

The main pool is due to welcome users again from Tuesday, August 11, marking a significant step towards normal service.

However, the Play ’n’ Teach pool will remain closed for a further three weeks while structural repairs to the roof are carried out.

Play ’n’ Teach sessions will be transferred to the main pool to minimise disruption with the majority of lesson times and days remaining unchanged, while a small number of Friday classes will operate on adjusted schedules.

The leisure centre said minor temporary changes would also be made to the main pool timetable over the coming weeks to ensure both lessons and public sessions can operate safely within the reduced space.

Operators added that they were working to provide additional public and lane swimming opportunities wherever possible during the period.

Councillors Sam Holland and Nick Mawer continue to press for fee fairness (Image: Sam Holland)

The reopening update follows growing concern among residents over the impact of the closure and ongoing restrictions.

Earlier this summer, councillors Sam Holland and Nick Mawer called for what they described as a fairer approach for members who have paid for facilities that have been unavailable during the works.

The pair say they are continuing to press Cherwell District Council over the support on offer to users.

In a joint update, they acknowledged that concessions remain available on request but argued residents should not be expected to chase compensation or fee reductions themselves when the disruption is long-running.

They said: “The current approach places too much of the burden on residents.”

The councillors have formally requested a meeting with relevant representatives at Cherwell District Council to discuss support for affected members and seek clearer communication on what assistance is available.

They added: “Residents deserve transparency, consistency and fairness while these works continue. We will continue to raise concerns on your behalf and will provide a further update once we have received a response regarding the meeting request.”