Rye swimming pool set to reopen following temporary closure

The facility closed its doors in 2022 after soaring energy costs

Author: Jo SymesPublished 2nd Oct 2023
Last updated 2nd Oct 2023

A public swimming pool in Rye is set to reopen its doors to the public today (Monday 2nd October) after soaring energy costs forced its temporary closure last year.

Freedom Leisure, the not-for-profit charitable leisure trust that manages Rye Swimming Pool, says it will focus on offering as wide a range of service as possible from the start. However, opening hours and sessions offered may be different from before the closure due to ongoing issues with costs and recruitment. It is anticipated that Freedom Leisure will seek to increase the initial offering as use of the pool by the local community increases.

Cllr Hazel Timpe, the district council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhood services and tourism, said: “We are delighted that, after almost a year, people will soon be able to use their local pool again, and are pleased that Freedom Leisure is doing everything it can to offer as much access as possible. I’d also like to thank Cllrs Simon McGurk and Cheryl Creaser for their support.

“It is vital that people now show their support and use the facility to ensure that its future is viable.”

Ivan Horsfall Turner, Freedom Leisure Chief Executive Officer, said: “Despite the unprecedented and well documented financial challenges our sector continues to face, we are very pleased to announce the re-opening of Rye Swimming Pool.

“We continue to work collaboratively with the council and the other local community groups to ensure the longer-term future of the facility. We hope the people of Rye will see this as a positive initial step and support their local community sports centre now and into the future as we grow the programme.”

Richard Farhall, Rye Town Clerk, added: Rye Town Council and the Rye Leisure Centre Community Working Group are pleased that a way has been found to re-open the pool – but will continue to work on a long-term sustainable plan for both the pool and the sports centre.

Initially the pool will be open limited days and times. Opening hours will be kept under constant review in line with actual use by members of the public.

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