Diving facilities at Citadel Leisure Centre - statement from Cllr Chris Cullen

South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Sport, Leisure and Communities, Councillor Chris Cullen, has responded to the motion submitted regarding the temporary reinstatement of the 3m and 5m diving boards at the Citadel Leisure Centre.

Councillor Cullen said: "I fully recognise the passion and dedication shown by Ayr Diving Club, its coaches, volunteers, athletes and families. This has never been a debate about the value of diving as a sport or the importance of the club to those involved.

"However, the reality facing the Council is that the Citadel is an ageing 60-70 year old tank-style pool which was never designed as a modern permanent diving facility. To safely operate the 3m and 5m boards, the pool must be repeatedly overfilled beyond its intended design limits. This is now causing ongoing water ingress, structural deterioration and increasing strain on the building and plant systems.

"Temporary reinstatement for one year does not resolve the underlying engineering, environmental or financial problems. It would knowingly continue a process that specialist advice has confirmed is causing damage to the building fabric.

"The proposal also significantly understates the true financial position. The figures presented do not account for wider operational pressures, ongoing structural deterioration, future repair liabilities, staffing impacts, or the substantial risk associated with continuing non-compliant operating conditions.

"Council officers, aquatic specialists and external partners including sportscotland and Scottish Swimming have engaged on this issue over several years. While all parties support diving in principle, no viable or funded long-term capital solution has been identified.

"At the same time, the Council has a responsibility to consider the wider needs of the community. Reallocating pool space will allow hundreds of additional Learn to Swim places to be created, helping address waiting lists currently affecting thousands of children and families across South Ayrshire. This also aligns with the wider national direction from the Scottish Government around improving access to swimming opportunities and reducing barriers for children and young people participating in lessons and water-based activity.

"I want to be absolutely clear — this is not about being anti-diving. It is about balancing difficult decisions responsibly, protecting public assets, managing long-term risk and ensuring sustainable aquatic provision for the greatest number of residents.

"I remain committed to continuing dialogue with stakeholders including sportscotland and Scottish Swimming regarding future opportunities for modern, purpose-built diving provision should viable funding opportunities emerge. I will also seek to meet with the local MSP to continue pushing for support and engagement with the Scottish Government around potential future solutions and investment opportunities for diving provision in South Ayrshire."