Peter Lloyd ‘lessons learned’ report published

A council committee is set to review a report examining the prolonged refurbishment of the Peter Lloyd Lifestyles Centre. The centre, initially closed in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, underwent significant work including a new roof installation and interior renovations. While the gym reopened in July 2024, ongoing repairs to the heating and water control systems delayed the reopening of the pool until July 2026.

Council Leader Cllr Liam Robinson commissioned the report to analyze the causes behind the project’s delays and to ensure that the council learns from the experience. This initiative aligns with the council’s broader goals of continuous improvement and maintaining transparency in its operations. The investigation highlighted numerous challenges, including complex technical and engineering issues—especially related to the roof and outdated air heating systems in the pool area. These difficulties were further complicated by flaws in the council’s management processes and the challenges inherent in updating older buildings.

The report identified that the council underestimated the complexity of the reopening from the start and did not implement best practices in project management and accountability. Consequently, this resulted in poor communication with key stakeholders such as the lead Cabinet Member, ward councillors, and the public, who were not kept adequately informed about the project’s progress. Andrew Lewis, the Chief Executive, addressed the situation in his foreword: “This was an unacceptable situation. On behalf of the Council, I apologise to the local residents, to Lifestyle members and to our Councillors. I hope the transparency demonstrated by this report shows the Council’s commitment to learn those lessons and deliver higher standards more consistently for the people of Liverpool.”

The report offers nearly 30 recommendations that have now been incorporated into the council’s ongoing improvement programme. This programme has already initiated significant changes over the past three years, including the formation of a dedicated team responsible for managing the council’s five-year £493 million capital investment plan and enhancements to leisure services city-wide. Since reopening, the Peter Lloyd Lifestyles Centre has seen record membership numbers, notably with 2,718 young people signing up for the council’s free junior membership scheme. Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, reflected on the project: “Peter Lloyd is my local leisure centre, and we have worked incredibly hard to keep it in its home, serving the communities of Tuebrook, Old Swan, West Derby and Clubmoor. I share the deep frustration of residents at the time it took to get the centre fully reopened, and I was personally repeatedly disappointed by how the project was managed. I welcome the publication of this report and want to thank the Chief Executive for his apology and for the transparency shown in getting to the bottom of what went wrong. It is vital that the lessons are learned so that this does not happen again.” He also expressed optimism about the centre’s future, praising its renewed popularity and the engagement of young people with the free pass scheme, emphasizing the centre’s role as a key community asset.

The Culture and Economy Scrutiny Committee will consider the report on Wednesday, 18 November