The planned refurbishment of The Dome in Doncaster has been postponed due to a significant rise in project costs, which have soared by £11.4 million above initial estimates.
The works, originally scheduled to begin this year, have been pushed back, with construction now set to start in early 2025. The expected completion date has also shifted, with the upgraded facilities anticipated to be ready by early 2026.
Doncaster Council initially projected the cost of the refurbishment at £14.4 million, a figure approved by councillors in February as part of the city’s capital budget. However, the project is now expected to require £25.8 million, prompting delays as funding and planning are reassessed.
The refurbishment will focus on modernising The Dome’s Lagoons swimming area and its entrance, both of which will be closed during the works. However, the rest of the leisure centre will remain open to the public throughout the refurbishment period.
Alongside improvements to the swimming area, mechanical and structural updates will be made across the site to enhance the overall functionality and efficiency of the centre. These updates are part of a broader plan to ensure the long-term viability of The Dome.
Since its opening in 1989, The Dome has been a central pillar of the Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, generating significant revenue to support leisure facilities across the borough. The postponement of the refurbishment reflects both the scale of the project and the financial challenges of delivering major infrastructure improvements in the current economic climate.
Further details regarding the revised timeline and budgetary plans are expected to emerge in the coming months as the council works to secure the additional funding required to move forward with the project.
