Swimming pools could be relocated in revival plans

A borough council is formulating plans to revive two ageing swimming pools, with relocation a possibility.

An initial assessment of the facilities at St James' swimming pool in King's Lynn - and Oasis Leisure Centre in Hunstanton - say they are at the end of their economic lives.

High energy costs, high carbon emissions as well as a lack of capacity, mean options to relocate the pools and rebuild them are being discussed.

A range of plans are being compiled now with a consultation planned for 2025.

West Norfolk Swimming Club has 150 competitive swimmers and 400 members.

They run sessions across both St James' and Oasis Leisure Centre.

Simon Rose the chair of the club says at the moment they "punch above their weight" with national level swimmers despite their ageing facilities.

"Our preference as a club would be to see an eight lane pool," he said.

"That lends itself to multi use. So there could be learning sessions, public swimming and club sessions."

At the moment St James' has six lanes.

Head coach Sarah Vanderloo said it would be the end of an era to shut St James'.

"I've spent 40 years of my life in this pool," she said.

"It would be lovely to have a new building with new facilities that would rival the ones we visit around the country."

She said a new facility would allow them to take on even more swimmers.

Pemberley, who is 17, and 18-year-old Harvey are both captains at West Norfolk Swim Club.

They say going to other clubs for competitions makes them realise what they are missing.

Harvey said: "I'd love to see it look really modern.

"It's been rundown for years now. I'm a lifeguard here and trying to keep on top of it is quite hard and there isn't much more we can do."

Pemberley said new facilities would encourage more people to join in.

"I've been with the club for seven years, I've always enjoyed swimming it's been a big part of my life. I've made all my best friends here.

"I'd like to see a new 50m pool so we can train long course and be better prepared for competitions."

Councillor Simon Ring, deputy council leader and cabinet member for business and culture, said one option on the table was moving the St James' facility to Lynn Sport complex.

"There will be lots of consultation to come on this," he said.

"It's not my swimming pool - it's the residents' swimming pool - so we have to listen to what they want."

He said keeping the existing pools in King's Lynn and Hunstanton open until 2026 would cost £2m.

"At some point you have to make a decision, are we putting good money after bad?" he said.

"Together St James' and Oasis account for 40% of the council's carbon output.

"We're all facing a climate crisis and we've got to bring that number down."

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