Inverness Aquadome’s Vortex flume has been closed by Highland Council for more than 400 DAYS - with no sign of reopening
One of the popular flumes at the Inverness Aquadome has been closed for over a year with no signs of reopening.
The Vortex attraction at the swimming pool complex within Inverness Leisure has been off-limits since August 18, 2023.
It is among a trio of height-restricted water slides designed to be available to customers, with the Cyclone and Ness Monster still operating.
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The Vortex is for users with inflatable rings and has several decline sections and pools.
Thousands of people use the flumes each year.
The facility is run by High Life Highland, on behalf of Highland Council.
A council spokesperson explained: “An inspection of the slide structure had identified water leaks that could potentially be affecting both the tubs and the concrete base beneath them. Some patch repairs were undertaken where access was possible.
“As the tubs would have to be broken up and removed to allow further investigations to determine the full extent of the work required, they would become unusable.
“Any ongoing risk was reduced by taking the slide offline and draining the tubs of water to reduce the static load and allow the areas to dry out.”
Although action was taken in summer last year, when anything else will happen remains unclear.
The spokesperson said: “The timescale for any remedial works will be dependent on the availability of capital funding. The requirements are being reviewed and will be considered as part of ongoing discussions on future investment priorities through the council’s capital programme.”
And how much will it cost to fix?
“Unknown at this stage as further investigations would be required to determine the full scope and cost of the work,” the spokesperson added, but would not provide any timeframe on when the 'further investigations' will start.
And when asked if repair works would mean the other flumes would have to be taken out of action, the spokesperson stated: “We are unable to attain the information that you have requested as the relevant staff are not available to provide the information.”
