Work begins on 'legacy' pool and leisure centre

Liz Withington, a local councillor, says the pool means more children will learn to swim

Work is under way to build a town's long-awaited new swimming pool and leisure centre.

North Norfolk District Council is spending £11m on what has been described as a "legacy" project in Fakenham.

Chief Executive Steve Blatch who leads the authority, said it will serve the current community and those who move into hundreds of homes planned nearby.

The facilities - expected to open at the start of 2027 - are said to have been on the town's "wish list" for well over a decade.

The new pool is said to have been on a council's "wish list" for at least a decade

The 25-m (82-ft) pool will have four lanes. The centre will also have a 3G all-weather artificial-grass pitch.

Liz Withington, a Liberal Democrat councillor with the portfolio for leisure, said: "This pool is going to be really important for the people of Fakenham.

"It's been on the wish list for so many years - at least ten to 15 years - so it's taken such a long time to bring it forward and find the funding.

"I know people will almost believe it's not going to happen, but we're actually here today putting spades in the ground."

Land next to the site off Trap Lane has been earmarked for 900 homes.

Council Chief Executive Steve Blatch stands where the pool will be built - in front of the current leisure centre

Mr Blatch said the planned development contributed to the case for improving the town's leisure facilities.

"It will be the best facility in North Norfolk, with a pool, gym and studio, as well as sports pitches."

He said it would be a "legacy" for the council, which could be dissolved under local government reorganisation plans.

"This will be the most modern leisure centre and sports facility in the county," he added.

While the development has largely been supported by locals, concerns were raised about the impact on a brass band which was losing its rehearsal space.

The band has since found a new place to practise.