Fylde Council has officially regained ownership of the Kirkham Pool site, a significant step in their mission to secure the future of this much-loved community facility, which has been closed since storm damage in December 2021.
Ahead of the transfer, the council approved £150,000 from its capital investment reserve for urgent building preservation works, and an annual budget of £75,000 has been set aside for ongoing maintenance while the pool remains vacant. These protective measures build on the YMCA’s earlier efforts to safeguard the site and demonstrate the council’s commitment to keeping every option open for swimming in Kirkham and rural Fylde.
Recent surveys show that fully refurbishing the building would now cost around £3 million, an increase from £2.62 million due to the building’s condition and rising material costs. While the recent bid for National Lottery Heritage Fund support was unsuccessful, the council continues to actively explore other funding and partnership opportunities to help bring this community asset back to life.
At the same time, the tender process to appoint an operator for St Annes Pool is almost complete. This tender includes an option for the chosen provider to run Kirkham Pool as well, if future funding can be secured.
Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “We know how much the pool means to local people and we share the community’s ambition to see it reopen. Every month the site sits empty, the risks and costs grow, and that’s why we’re pushing ahead urgently to find practical, sustainable options, including a joint operation with St Annes Pool.”
Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of the Council, added: “Taking back ownership of Kirkham Pool shows our determination to do everything we can to see swimming return.
“Whilst our ambition remains undimmed, the business case and funding options cannot be concluded until final tenders are received on the operation of both St Annes and Kirkham Pools. Those tenders will set out the costs of managing the pools and investment options.
“Funding remains a challenge, particularly given the uncertainties ahead with the announcement by the Local Government of a fair funding review, the end of the New Homes Bonus and a business rates reset, all of which are likely to adversely affect the council’s finances.
“We will continue with our goal to deliver swimming at both sites, and we will take decisions based on sound financial planning.”
For the latest updates, visit: www.fylde.gov.uk/swimming-in-fylde
For any YMCA membership enquiries, please directly contact: enquires@fyldecoastymca.org
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