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The fact sheet below lists frequently asked questions about the closure and future plans for the facility.

Users interested in knowing more about the closure can pose further questions in the northmanchester.net Advice Bureau.

Q. Why was Harpurhey Pools closed?

A. Harpurhey Pools was closed on Thursday 23rd August at 12 noon following a condition survey inspection by an independent company. The survey identified that there were significant structural, mechanical and electrical problems associated with the building and the City Council's Surveyors were asked to undertake an assessment of the building to confirm the original report. The City Council's Surveyors advised immediate closure on the grounds of health and safety to safeguard the public and staff.

Q. Will Harpurhey Pools be repaired?

A. The company which undertook the original condition survey have identified that to repair Harpurhey Pools will cost in the region of ?4.3M and will take approximately 18 months to complete.

The City Council has already approved as part of the development of Harpurhey District Centre a new leisure centre comprising wet and dry facilities and costing an estimated ?3.5M. It is anticipated that work on site to construct the new facility will start in March 2002. It does not therefore represent Best Value to the City to undertake repairs on the old facility.

Q. What facilities will be provided at the new Harpurhey Leisure Centre?

A. Current proposals for the facility, which need to be confirmed and consulted on, provide for a 25mx10.5m pool with floating floor, a spectator area, 40-station fitness suite, multi-purpose room, changing, storage, vending area and shared car parking.

Q. What arrangements have been made to secure the existing Harpurhey Pools

A. The building has been made secure and there are regular daily inspections being undertaken by the Harpurhey Baths Manager and his staff. Longer term, more permanent arrangements are now being planned which will include a regular inspection regime by security professionals.

Q What arrangements have been made to accommodate existing users?

A. An extended swimming programme has been established at Miles Platting Pools from 28th August, as an alternative for existing users at Harpurhey although some activities transferred before this date.

Individual Users have already begun to transfer their attendance from Harpurhey to Miles Platting Pools, with the exception of one swimming instruction course on a Tuesday evening, which has transferred to Broadway Pools.

The over 50's, Early Birds Swims and the Harpurhey Swimming Club have all started to transfer their use to Miles Platting Pools this week.

The only one of these three groups to request assistance with transport so far is Harpurhey Swimming Club. They provisionally anticipate that two trips will be required on both Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6.30pm to 10.00pm, but this will need to be confirmed after speaking to their members.

The Gym Management Committee have agreed a transfer to Boggart Hole Clough and if the move proves to be successful will give the club a new permanent home.

Q. What arrangements have been made for the School Swimming Programme?

A. An exercise has been completed to relocate schools to their nearest alternative pool and Head teachers will be notified of the changes and the reasons on their return to school. The School transport schedules have been amended accordingly to take account of the changes and to minimise disruption to school staff and their pupils. The closure will have no adverse affect on the numbers of pupils learning to swim.