Investment into Richmond swimming pool
A massive £1.26m looks set to be pumped into Richmond swimming pool. This is its first major refurbishment in almost 30 years.
And Richmondshire District Council, which owns the pool, will also look to agree to continue the annual running grant of £240,000 to the Richmondshire Leisure Trust. The council owns the facility but has leased it to the trust since 2005.
“This pool is a major facility for the district. People come from across Richmondshire to learn to swim with the Richmond and Dales swimming Club,” said Leader of the Council, Councillor Angie Dale.
“It is also a major asset of the councils and its only right that after so many years we allocate some money to bring it up to date and future proof it. With the health and well being of our residents uppermost in our minds as a result of the pandemic this has never been more needed.”
Members of the council’s corporate board recommended the spend when they met last night (April 13). Their decision will be considered by full council next week (April 20).
They were told that the last major refurbishment work had been in 1994 thanks to National Lottery and council money. Since then it has only seen reactive and preventative maintenance work undertaken. This scheme will see a new roof, ventilation system, pool glazing and curtain walling fitted and solar panels installed.
“For years we have just been patching up the building. This scheme will renew and improve it, much better for its longevity,” added Cllr Dale. “It has served the community well but this work will take it forward for the next generation of users.”
Councillors also agreed to recommend to full council the continued annual grant aid of £240,000. This will be index linked, and asked for more accountability on its spend and how the Leisure Trust was looking at finding alternative sources of funding. It is to request an annual report to its scrutiny committee.
