Public support spurs £1.2m pool repair plan

The council said the "strength of public support" sparked a proposed package of repairs for the facility

A £1.2m swimming pool repair programme is to be considered following a show of public support for a council-owned facility closed after a partial ceiling collapse.

Richmond Swimming Pool has been shut since the incident in April and an investigation later uncovered building infrastructure issues would require extensive repair work.

A public consultation launched by North Yorkshire Council (NYC) in June, to gauge the views of those who use the pool, received more than 2,200 responses.

The council said the "strength of public opinion" had prompted a proposed package of remedial works, to make the facility safe to reopen.

Councillor Simon Myers, whose responsibilities at NYC include leisure services, said: "From the outset, we have listened to the public's views about the leisure provision on offer in Richmond."

"What was clear from the survey was that Richmond Swimming Pool is a valued part of the town, serves the local community, and plays an important role for local swimming clubs.

"We recognise the strategic need for the site to remain in Richmond and we ideally want the facilities to reopen as soon as possible."

North Yorkshire Council said residents had expressed "strong feelings" about the closure of the facility

A council spokesperson said a consultation into the future of the pool saw residents express "strong feelings about its potential closure and widespread support for reopening the facility after essential repairs".

The spokesperson said a series of options had since been assessed by the authority which included "undertaking only the essential works needed, completing wider improvements such as redeveloping the changing rooms, and closing the centre altogether".

The preferred option to be presented by officers was to "undertake a package of essential works to the pool at a cost of nearly £1.2m", they said.

If the plan is approved, it is hoped the centre would reopen within the first half of 2026.

The options are set to be considered by members of the council's executive on 7 October.

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