A package of works that would see a popular swimming pool reopen are due to be considered amid a surge of support from residents.
Both public pools at Active North Yorkshire Richmond have been closed since April following a partial collapse of the building’s ceiling.
Investigations at the site highlighted extensive repair works were required to protect the future of the pools and ensure the safety of users.
We launched a public survey in June to gauge the views of local communities who use the facilities – and more than 2,200 responses were received.
Now, acknowledging the strength of public opinion, a package of remedial works costing nearly £1.2 million have been proposed which would make the pools safe to reopen and be available again for community use.
If the plans are given the go-ahead by our executive next week, then it is hoped that both swimming pools would reopen within the first half of 2026 - subject to a full programme of works being established.
The facilities in Richmond are also included as part of a co-ordinated approach to promoting health and wellbeing across the county through a proposed leisure investment strategy.
Executive member for culture, arts and housing, Cllr Simon Myers, whose responsibilities include leisure services, said: “From the outset, we have listened to the public’s views about the leisure provision on offer in Richmond.
“What was clear from the survey was that Richmond Swimming Pool is a valued part of the town, serves the local community, and plays an important role for local swimming clubs.
“We recognise the strategic need for the site to remain in Richmond and we ideally want the facilities to reopen as soon as possible, so they can continue to benefit our communities and reaffirm our county-wide vision to promote health and wellbeing.
“If the package of works are supported, I would urge people to continue to use the facility– and for anyone who is considering how they can become more active to sign up as a member.
“A number of options have now been laid out and will be considered carefully by the executive next week.”
A consultation into the future of the pool saw residents express strong feelings about its potential closure and widespread support for reopening the facility after essential repairs.
More than half of those surveyed said they used the facility at least once a week, with 91 per cent feeling it was either “very important” or “moderately important” that the site was saved.
A series of options have since been assessed by council officers, which include undertaking only the essential works needed, completing wider improvements such as redeveloping the changing rooms, and closing the centre altogether.
The preferred option to be presented by officers is to undertake a package of essential works to the pool at a cost of nearly £1.2 million.
The options will be considered by members of our executive on Tuesday next week (7 October).
The proposed work in Richmond forms part of the authority’s plans for a wider leisure investment strategy, which has been drawn up after we launched the new Active North Yorkshire service last year.
The service is aimed at improving the opportunities for people to become and stay active at every stage of their life – with the next phase looking at how investment in the council’s facilities can help to deliver this aim and to create financially sustainable services.
A total of £36 million has been recommended to be invested in four key sites in Selby, Skipton, Pickering and Whitby.
The investment would pay for improved gym facilities, additional studio space and an overhaul of swimming pools along with better changing rooms.
There would also be more accessible pool access, including Changing Place facilities for people with additional needs, and improved reception areas and public spaces across the four sites.
A further £3 million in funding is recommended to be invested in a phased programme to upgrade gym and fitness equipment across another 12 leisure sites overseen by the council throughout the county, including Richmond.
The proposed countywide leisure investment strategy is due to be considered by the council’s executive in November this year.