Securing the Future of St Annes Swimming Pool & Gym Ahead of Local Government Reorganisation

Fylde Council knows how important St Annes Swimming Pool & Gym is to our community.

When Places Leisure took over from the YMCA as an agent for Fylde Council in April, the decision was taken at this time to close the centre to allow essential maintenance work to take place.

Due to the age and condition of the building, investment and repair works had always been anticipated. However, as detailed surveys and investigations were undertaken to inform the planned programme of works, additional structural issues requiring immediate remediation were identified. As a result, the works are more extensive than originally expected, meaning the building will need to remain closed for an extended period while they are completed.

Specialist contractors and consultants have spent recent months assessing the building in detail and considered all options to reopen the facility safely whilst meeting the necessary insurance requirements. Their advice is clear: attempting to reopen the building with short-term fixes could cause further issues, prove costly, and lead to repeated partial or full closures. The effective way to deliver the modern leisure facility our community expects and deserves is to move directly into the full refurbishment programme.

This is a once‑in‑a‑generation investment that will transform the site into a modern, high-quality leisure destination in St Annes, including:

• A fully modernised pool environment designed for accessibility, sustainability and long-term community use
• A state-of-the-art first floor gym overlooking the sea, offering a bright, modern fitness space
• A contemporary studio for classes and group activities
• Spa facilities and an exciting indoor splash pad for families
• Modern new changing facilities, including improved accessible provision
• A welcoming café and vending area

The Government has now announced that Fylde Council will become part of a new authority in 2028 covering Fylde, Wyre and Blackpool. Many residents have understandably raised concerns about what this means for local investment. By pressing ahead with the full refurbishment now, Fylde has secured the project while decisions remain in local hands – reducing the risk of delay, maintaining momentum and protecting a valued community asset.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “I know how much this closure has affected residents, and I want to acknowledge that directly. We apologise for the disruption this has already caused and for the further wait it will now mean for people who use and love this facility. But this major multimillion pound investment will deliver a long-term future for St Annes Swimming Pool & Gym, providing the modern, high‑quality facilities our community deserves.

“Moving directly into full refurbishment is the safest and most efficient way to get this right, and we’re determined to deliver a superb leisure centre for St Annes while ensuring the project stays in local hands as we approach Local Government Reorganisation.”

Dan Walker, Business Development Director at Places Leisure, said: “”We remain committed to providing high-quality leisure facilities that are welcoming and accessible to everyone in the local community. Working in partnership with Fylde Council, we will ensure that the investment works at St Annes Swimming Pool & Gym are delivered efficiently and effectively. We are optimistic about the future and the positive impact these improvements will bring.”

Fylde Council will continue to work closely with Places Leisure to finalise the programme and will keep residents updated with insights and sneak previews as work progresses of the superb facility coming to St Annes.

Work on Kirkham Baths will not be affected by this programme – the two refurbishments are running concurrently. For the latest updates on both projects, visit https://new.fylde.gov.uk/swimming-in-fylde/.