Celebration as pool is set to be re-opened
THE battle to reopen Elswick Pool has taken a huge step forward as councillors have announced the community will have its facility back by September.
The pool was closed by Newcastle City Council in October 2015 due to budget cuts.
The closure sparked major protests from residents in the area, however the council said the pool could open again if a financially viable business plan was put in place for the community to run it.
Now, council leader Nick Forbes and Coun Kim McGuinness, cabinet member for culture, sport and public health, have officially handed over the lease to Elswick Community Pool and Leisure Centre.
The charity will now drive forward the work to bring the pool back to use.
The plans, developed by the council and local volunteers, will see the pool developed and a new cafe and sauna created.
The council will complete work to bring the building back to how it was before the closure, including repairing the roof and water pump before further modernisation is completed by the Elswick Community Pool and Leisure Centre charity.
Coun McGuiness said: “I am really pleased to announce that the development of Elswick Pool has reached this vital milestone and that the community group can start bringing the facility back to life.
“This is a celebration of the brilliant work of the local residents and volunteers who have set out ambitious plans and taken a dedicated approach to the development since the closure was announced three years ago.
“Newcastle City Council is keen to work with community groups to support leisure facilities and allow residents, voluntary organisations and charities to step forward and manage these much-loved buildings.”
Diane Tait, speaking on behalf of the Elswick Community Pool and Leisure Centre charity, said: “We are absolutely delighted at this decision and would like to pay tribute to the 3,500 residents who have backed us all the way in our campaign to get the pool reopened.
“We are looking forward to working with them, the city council and our partners, in providing a fantastic facility that can be enjoyed again by the whole community.”
Friends of Elswick Pool have been supported through funding by Power to Change, the community business arm of the Big Lottery Fund and
Centre West, Newcastle’s West End community regeneration business.
There has also been financial support from Elswick and Monument Ward Community Funds and a £100,000 crowd funder campaign has been launched by the Elswick Pool group. Once complete the revamped pool is expected to create more than 20 jobs. In addition, 24 lifeguards will be trained in partnership with Newcastle College which has also pledged its support to the development. The opening of the pool is expected to take place ahead before the new school year starts in September 2019.