Coatbridge families set for major waterpark changes

Visitors to the Time Capsule in Coatbridge are set to see new water attractions, climbing facilities and upgraded changing areas as a £2.5 million investment programme moves forward. North Lanarkshire Council says the work will be delivered during 2026/27, while plans to replace the water flumes are progressing for later in 2026.

The programme covers the waterpark, health facilities and family activity areas at one of North Lanarkshire’s best-known leisure venues. Exact opening dates for the individual additions have not yet been published.

New flumes, climbing arena and pool upgrades

A new themed tipping bucket attraction is among the confirmed additions. The council also plans to install replacement water flumes, improve the pool surrounds and modernise the health suites.

Away from the pools, the Time Capsule will gain an indoor Clip ‘n Climb arena. Changing facilities are due to be upgraded, while the soft play area will receive further enhancements.

A new community space overlooking the ice rink is also included. Several features have been designed around Coatbridge’s industrial heritage, giving the refurbishment a local theme rather than applying one design across every part of the venue.

Councillor Geraldine Woods, convener of the Communities Committee, said the improvements were intended to create modern, accessible facilities and encourage more people to be active. Council leader Jim Logue described the spending as a way to protect the venue and keep it serving local communities.

When visitors could see the changes

The timetable indicates that work will be phased, but the council has not provided separate construction or reopening dates for each attraction. It has also not announced whether any pools, changing areas or other facilities will need to close temporarily while installation work takes place.

Families planning a visit should therefore treat the listed improvements as confirmed programme items rather than attractions already available. The announcement does not change published access arrangements or provide instructions for visitors during the building work.

Earlier work has already restored key facilities

The new programme follows major engineering work that fully restored the waterpark. Both lifts have also been replaced to improve accessibility, and the gym has been refurbished.

Those completed projects are separate from the coming additions, which concentrate on the flumes, pool environment, climbing arena, health suites, changing facilities, community space and soft play provision.

The next stated milestone is the progression of the replacement-flume plans later in 2026; North Lanarkshire Council has yet to publish a detailed phase-by-phase schedule or any temporary access restrictions.

Source: North Lanarkshire Council