Priory Park paddling pool stays closed as new liner work begins
Hornsey ward councillors say replacement of the damaged fibreglass liner started 14 September, with reopening not expected until summer 2027.
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Hornsey ward councillors announced the start of the replacement, as reported by Ham & High, noting that the previous liner had been damaged during winter. The paddling pool in Priory Park, Crouch End, remained closed throughout the summer of 2026 and was fenced off when work began on 14 September 2026.
Background
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The pool sits beside the park café and has been a free cooling spot for families during heatwaves. Residents complained in June that the facility was unavailable despite promises it would be ready for school holidays. The councillors acknowledged the frustration and the impact on local businesses, as reported by Ham & High.
Funding and repair details
£200,000 of Pride in Place funding, earmarked for three Haringey paddling pools, is being applied to the Priory Park works. Councillors Dana Carlin, Elin Weston and Adam Small explained that pre‑opening checks in May revealed extensive winter damage to the original liner, making repair impractical, as reported by Ham & High. The old liner was removed in mid‑July, after which costings and tendering took several weeks.
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“We know how angry and disappointed residents are that Priory Park paddling pool has been closed throughout the summer,”
Dana Carlin, Hornsey ward councillor
Future timeline
The council will now install a tougher liner designed to resist damage from bikes and trikes, and officials are reviewing the addition of an accessible ramp, improved shade, drainage and paving, as reported by Ham & High. They have said the pool should be ready for public use in the summer of 2027, subject to final safety checks.
Community response and next steps
Local residents can follow updates on the Hornsey Village Life Facebook page, where the councillors pledged to keep the community informed, as reported by Ham & High. The council will conduct pre‑opening inspections once the liner is in place and will publish a reopening date before the summer season. No further funding applications have been announced.
Wider refurbishment programme
The Pride in Place scheme, launched by Haringey Council, aims to modernise ageing leisure facilities across the borough, as reported by Ham & High. In addition to Priory Park, the programme includes upgrades at Tottenham Marshes and Wood Green’s community pool. All three sites will receive new liners and, where feasible, improved accessibility features. The total budget of £200,000 is being split evenly, although exact allocations have not been disclosed.
Implications for park users
While the pool is out of service, the park café continues to operate but reports a dip in summer sales, according to statements from the councillors, as reported by Ham & High. The council has not announced any temporary alternatives for families seeking a free water play area. Residents are advised to use nearby facilities such as the Alexandra Palace paddling pool, which remains open.
Questions this report answers
+When did the repair work start?
The replacement of the fibreglass liner began on 14 September 2026, according to a statement from Hornsey ward councillors reported by Ham & High. The start of work marks the first physical progress after a summer of closure.
+How much money is being spent on the pool refurbishment?
£200,000 of Pride in Place funding has been allocated to refurbish three Haringey paddling pools, including Priory Park, as reported by Ham & High. The sum covers new liners and potential accessibility improvements across the three sites.
+When is the pool expected to reopen?
Council officials said the pool should be ready for public use in the summer of 2027, pending final safety checks and any additional improvements, as reported by Ham & High. No exact reopening date has been set yet.
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