Plans for New Community Swimming Pool in Minehead

Minehead could see a new public swimming pool and gym, more than 15 years after the closure of Aqua Splash in 2008. The initiative is being led by local community groups, including Minded Health and Wellbeing CIC and Minehead Swimming and Leisure.

Bruce Lang, one of the directors, said the project aims to address a long-standing gap in local swimming provision. “Since the swimming pool closed in 2008, there hasn’t been a public pool available for the community in West Somerset,” Lang said. “While there are two small pools in local schools for young children, there’s nothing really for children to move on to, or for adults to swim in.”

Lang highlighted the safety and health benefits of the new facility. “Swimming is very important because the nearest public pools are more than an hour away,” he explained. “It’s a great way for people of all ages to exercise, and it helps reduce risk, especially with the tidal range we have here on the Bristol Channel.”

The plans include a 25-metre, four-lane pool, a gym for GP referrals, and potentially a retractable roof to allow year-round use. Lang said the design aims to make the facility adaptable and welcoming. “We’re hoping it can be enclosed during bad weather but open when the sun shines, giving people an outdoor feel as well,” he said.

Fundraising is at an early stage, with Sport England among the potential funders. “We’ve already received over a thousand responses to our public questionnaire, and around 90% said they would use the pool,” Lang added.

If successful, the project could move to planning by the end of the year, with construction possibly starting in 2027. “We’re keeping the public informed as the project develops, and we hope to build a facility that serves the whole community,” Lang said.