Dorset swimming pools to benefit from Government cash
Sites on Portland and in Christchurch are on the list
Two Dorset swimming pools have been named among 325 across England to get a share of £60.5 million to ensure their long term financial sustainability, by improving their energy efficiency in order to keep running costs down.
Among the grants is nearly £50,000 for the Osprey Leisure Centre on Portland towards new solar panels and triple glazed windows.
There's also a total of £245,000 for the Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre in Christchurch for solar panels and to replacement older lighting with LED versions.
The Government says the nationwide investment in the financial sustainability of hundreds of swimming pools will 'help ensure that the more than 58 million visits to these facilities each year are protected, helping improve the health of the nation'.
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:
“We are sticking to our plan to get millions more people active by 2030, because we know that active people are fitter, happier and healthier.
“Millions of people swim every year in England, but increased energy costs mean some pools are struggling financially.
“This further £60 million of support from the Government and Sport England will ensure hundreds of swimming pools can lower their operating costs in the long run, and continue to provide an important service for communities across the country.”
Successful applicants have been funded to make renovations to facilities which are expected to reduce their energy consumption, and in their applications needed to outline why the interventions were appropriate and deliverable.
Other criteria for selection included an assessment of the expected energy saving, distances from other pools, and the strategic importance of each site at a local level.
Former Team GB Swimmer Michael Gunning said:
“Our pools are a hub for the entire community and I’ve seen first-hand the importance of increasing access to aquatics for people of all ages.
“The pandemic was a tough time for all of us, but this investment will mean many more people from all backgrounds will have the chance to use their local pool. Whether it’s learning a vital skill, bringing families together to have fun, or using the water to improve your physical and mental health – swimming pools save lives.”
Sport England Executive Director for Place Lisa Dodd-Mayne said:
“Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.
“Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.
“Sport England is proud of the role we’ve played in supporting these facilities through this difficult period. We hope today’s funding announcement will enable more public pools to improve their energy efficiency to be more environmentally and financially sustainable so they remain available for future generations to enjoy.”