£200,000 funding lifeline to help keep leisure centre swimming pool open

DEARNESIDE Leisure Centre has been granted £200,000 to help the pool remain open in the face of rising costs.

The Government’s Spring Budget in 2023 announced the creation of a £63m national fund to help providers with the increased costs. Local authorities were invited to apply for the funding on behalf of the eligible pools in their area.

The Metrodome was awarded £400,000 in the first round of funding, and Dearnside has been granted £200,00 in the second round.

Kathy McArdle, service director for regeneration and culture at Barnsley Council, said: “Leisure centres are crucial in offering a safe space for residents to be physically active and improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing, and it is of the utmost importance that they are kept open for our communities.”

Michael Hirst, CEO of BPL, added: “The previous two years have brought significant increases to the utility costs in operating our leisure venues, and this funding will help us to continue to reduce our power consumption and carbon output.”

Sport England’s director of place,

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, said: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.

“Many pools have faced a real threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators have battled increased energy and wider costs, weakened reserves and difficulties retaining staff.

“Sport England is proud of the role we have played in supporting these facilities through this difficult period.

“We hope the funding announcement will enable more public pools to improve their energy efficiency to be more environmentally and financially sustainable, so they remain available for future generations to enjoy.”