Experts should be brought in to probe corrosion at Dundee’s Olympia pool as part of an independent investigation, according to an MSP.
Dundee-based politician Maurice Golden says it’s vital to get expert analysis of the fabric of the building.
It is one of the reasons the swimming pools were forced to shut for at least two years for repairs worth £6 million.
Mr Golden said: “More than 14 months on from the Olympia’s mysterious closure, people from all over Tayside are still shut out from the region’s biggest swimming pool.
“Despite a rocky start when it was built in 2013, the Olympia was just as popular and well-used by clubs as the original.
“People are frustrated at the curtain that’s been drawn over this.
“If this was any other city, jobs would have been on the line until an explanation was offered.”
Council ignores inquiry calls
Bosses have repeatedly rebuffed calls for an inquiry, with council leader John Alexander insisting there are no hidden mysteries behind the extensive repairs.
The centre is currently due to reopen in October 2023, leaving those living in Dundee and the surrounding area with no major public leisure facility.
Mr Alexander stressed all the information available on what went wrong has been released publicly but political rivals say there are still too many unanswered questions.
Mr Golden said: “All kinds of theories have emerged over many months – chemical concerns being the one which worries me most.
“Dundee City Council should involve an independent analyst to prepare an impartial report on what went wrong.
“This would give the council a fresh start on transparency and also lay the groundwork for making sure the new Olympia won’t suffer the same fate.”
Lack of transparency
Emails obtained by The Courier revealed problems with the Olympia building were first flagged up years before the centre was closed.
Despite this, no major repair work requiring the closure of the facility had been carried out since 2014 — just a year after it opened.
Issues included rust falling onto the poolside, leaks near electrical equipment and severe corrosion.
Dundee City Council has been accused of a lack of transparency over the full scale of the problems and when they were first identified.
The council was approached for comment.
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