Richmond Pool closure update – 12 September

Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent consultation, we received over 2,200 responses and your feedback has been invaluable in helping shape the future of Richmond Pool. 58% of respondents said they use the pool at least once a week and 74% said reopening the pool is very important.

Following a full site inspection and options appraisal, we are recommending undertaking essential repairs to the site totalling £1.1 million to allow for the reopening of the pool as part of a wider leisure investment strategy. These works include:

• replacing the ceiling
• upgrading the plant room
• mechanical and electrical repairs

The gym would also benefit from upgraded equipment as part of our wider leisure investment strategy.

Next steps

The options appraisal, including your views and the recommendations will be discussed at a meeting of our housing and leisure overview and scrutiny committee on 23 September. The recommendation to undertake the essential repairs to enable the pool to reopen will then be formally considered by our Executive on 7 October.

Our ambition is to have a further update to share with you in the coming weeks following these meetings, but we expect the pool to reopen to the public in 2026 once the repairs are completed.

In the meantime, we understand the ongoing closure of the pool is frustrating and truly appreciate your patience. Customers are welcome to use pool facilities at our neighbouring Active North Yorkshire sites.

Please note that the café, gym, class studio, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi at the Richmond site remain open as normal, as are the businesses that operate from the site and the mini golf.

Swimming lessons

As a customer you have the following options:

1. We can transfer your current lesson booking to future swimming lessons once we know the full extent of the closure period. 
2. Contact us to request a refund by emailing: richmondlwh@northyorks.gov.uk
3. We have tried to contact or leave messages with all our lesson customers, and we will continue to do so. If you have missed our call, email us directly at richmondlwh@northyorks.gov.uk.   

There may be availability for swimming lesson programmes at our Zest centres at Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk and Sowerby, get in touch with them to find out more.

Annual swimming memberships

If you have paid for an annual swimming membership you have the following options:

1. You can go to one of the Zest centres at Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk and Sowerby and they will give you a free discount card for the period of closure giving you a reduced swim rate.
2. Your annual swimming membership will be frozen and reinstated with an extension to cover the closure period.
3. We can cancel and arrange a refund (pro rata) for the remaining period of your membership. To request a refund email richmondlwh@northyorks.gov.uk. Please note, to complete this request we will require you to return your card to the centre.

What do I do if I use my annual swimming membership for Aquafit?

You can go to one of the Zest centres at Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk and Sowerby and and they will give you a free discount card for the period of closure giving you a reduced Aquafit class rate.

Swimming - 10 for 8 block booking

If you have a current/valid swimming 10 for 8 block booking card you have the following options:

1. These can be used for swims at our Zest centres at Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk and Sowerby. Show your card at reception where it will be stamped.
2. If you don't want to visit another site, please keep your swimming 10 for 8 block booking card for future use, once we know how long the closure will last.
3. We can cancel and arrange a refund (pro rata) for the remaining swims on your card. To request a refund email richmondlwh@northyorks.gov.uk. Please note, to complete this request we will require you to return your card to the centre.

If you choose the first option and use up your swims at another site and then wish to continue visiting that site while we remain closed, you will be issued with a free discount card at that site for the remaining period of closure. This will give you a reduced swim rate.
 

Aquafit – 10 for 8 block booking

If you have a current or valid Aquafit 10 for 8 block booking card you have the following options:

1. These can be used for Aquafit classes at our Zest centres at Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk and Sowerby. Show your card at reception where it will be stamped.
2. If you don't want to visit another site, please keep your Aquafit 10 for 8 block booking card for future use, once we know how long the closure will last.
3. We can cancel and arrange a refund (pro rata) for the remaining Aquafit classes on your card. To request a refund email richmondlwh@northyorks.gov.uk. Please note, to complete this request we will require you to return your card to the centre.

If you choose the first option and use up your Aquafit sessions at another site and wish to continue visiting that site while we remain closed, you will be issued with a free discount card at that site for the remaining period of closure. This will give you to a reduced Aquafit class rate.

You will need to book in advance and provide a health commitment statement before attending the class.

Gym members - the gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and classes continue to be fully open and available to all our gym members and pay as you go customers

If you have an active gym membership you have the following options:

1. You can visit our Zest centres at Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk and Sowerby for use of the swimming pool only, with no extra charge. You will need to give your name at reception, and confirmation of your active membership at Richmond. You will then be allowed free access for swimming.
2. Continue to use the gym facilities at Richmond.

If you choose the first option, your membership will not cover use of the gym or classes at our other leisure centres as the gym at Richmond Leisure and Wellbeing Hub is remaining open during the period of closure.

Casual swimming

You can visit our Zest centres at Bedale, Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk and Sowerby on a casual pay as you go basis. Our staff will discuss the most appropriate pricing options with you.

Café

The café will remain open. Check the Myti café Facebook page for updated opening times.

Access the Dales mobility scooter

The mobility scooter that we host as part of the Access the Dales initiative is available as normal during the week but we are no longer able to offer it on weekends, apologies for the inconvenience.

The initiative aims to help locals and visitors access local sites and attractions. Find out more and book the scooter on the Access the Dales website.

Hire times are:

• Monday to Wednesday - 8am to 3:30pm
• Thursday and Friday - 8am to 2:30pm
• Weekends - not available