The main phase of £1.2m repairs to reopen Richmond Swimming Pool is set to begin next week.
The pool was forced to close in April last year following a partial ceiling collapse.
Preparatory work has been ongoing for several months, with the next stage of the programme due to start on Wednesday, April 1.
This phase will include the safe removal of sealed asbestos from the roof space, which was identified earlier this year, alongside the replacement of the ceiling and a range of mechanical and electrical repairs.
The council confirmed the asbestos had been fully encapsulated and had not posed any risk to previous users of the building, but is being removed as part of the wider refurbishment.
The works are expected to be completed by early autumn, subject to adverse weather or unforeseen issues.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for leisure, Simon Myers, said: “This is a welcome update.
“We know how important the facilities at Active North Yorkshire Richmond are to the community, and that’s why we have been firm in our commitment to protecting the long-term future of the pools by carrying out these vital repairs.
“The programme remains on track, despite the identification of asbestos which required some extra work, but we have expedited other tasks to ensure everything continues to run to schedule.
“These repairs must be carried out correctly and to a high standard, so that our customers can continue to enjoy the swimming pools and the facility remains a valued part of the town’s fabric. We are all looking forward to it reopening when it is safe to do so.”
The swimming pool building will close fully to the public from Tuesday, April 7, for the duration of the works. The on-site café will also shut from that date, although it is expected to reopen as soon as possible while work continues.
Access to the footpath leading to the riverside walk and the leisure and wellbeing hub will remain open. However, the road link from the station car park via the underpass will be closed, with diversion routes clearly signposted.
Residents requiring special access are asked to contact the council by Wednesday, April 1.
During the closure, alternative swimming facilities will be available at other Active North Yorkshire sites.
