Pool reopens after volunteers raise £400,000

The swimming pool was closed in 2023 due to budget cuts

A community swimming pool saved from permanent closure by a £400,000 fundraising effort has reopened.

Gateshead Council closed Birtley Swimming Centre in July 2023 due to budget cuts.

Volunteers set up the Birtley Community Aquatic Centre (BCAC) and raised the money to reopen it as a not-for-profit venture.

Now known as Birtley Community Pool, the site has undergone a major revamp including the installation of new boilers, LED lights and a refurbished waterslide.

There has been a steady stream of swimmers since the pool reopened

Matthew Grant, treasurer of the BCAC said: "It's just great to see people come along, we've had a steady stream and we're just delighted we've finally got the doors open again.

"It's a really valuable community asset and if you don't have it then people lose out on something which is great for their physical health and great for their mental health too, and that's something people forget."

The pool was due to fully reopen two weeks ago, however extra time for staff security checks meant it was pushed back.

Delays in getting staff security checks meant the pool's opening was delayed

Its reopening has been backed by a £272,000 grant from the government’s Community Ownership Fund, funding from Sport England and more than £20,000 in crowdfunding donations.

Mr Grant said he hoped it would encourage people to give swimming a go.

"We don't just want to see those people who used to come here before, we want those people who have never swum," he said.

"That's important because we have to cover our costs to keep going."