Government announces funding allocation to support swimming pools

£60.5 million of funding has been announced to support 325 swimming pools and leisure centres across England.

The funding is being used to help improve the energy efficiency of pools and leisure centres. Measures include funding for new heating systems, solar panels, better insulation and other energy saving interventions.

It is hoped that the funding will protect the 58 million annual visits to the facilities and improve the health of the nation.

The latest round of funding from the Swimming Pool Support Fund is intended to help the longer term energy and financial resilience of the sector. 96 per cent of applicants in this round were successful.

Since the fund was announced in last year's budget, 442 swimming pools in 367 local authorities will have benefited from a share of £80 million funding.

The first £20 million of funding from Phase I of the Fund went to swimming pools and leisure centres that were most at risk of closure or significant service reduction in November. 196 facilities received funding.

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."

The Pulse in Stroud has received almost £300,000 to fund the refurbishment of its entrance area and a new air-handling unit; the Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln has received over £600,000 for new solar panels and variable speed fans; and the Leigh Leisure Centre in Wigan has received almost £70,000 for new LED lighting.

The South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre in Chelmsford has received over £233,000 for a new gas boiler and  new variable speed pumps to improve the efficiency of filtration; and the Wem Swimming and Lifestyle Centre in Shropshire has received over £138,000 for better insulation and new solar panels.

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."