YMCA Kirkham Pool Closure Timeline
Below, you will find a timeline of activity since the closure of Kirkham Pool which includes links to relevant committee documents and press releases. This timeline will be updated as the project progresses, helping readers remain informed on the most recent developments.
We are currently at Stage 14 of the timeline below.
On the 10th August 2023, the YMCA Kirkham Rural Splash facility closed permanently due to significant structural damage caused by Storm Arwen in December 2021. Efforts to repair the damage and reopen the facility were hindered by the high costs involved, including replacing the damaged roof and addressing aging infrastructure issues. Read YMCA’s press release here Read our statement here
In accordance with the 2009 agreement under which YMCA Fylde Coast obtained the freehold ownership of the facility and continued to operate it, YMCA Fylde Coast submitted to Fylde Council for consideration a Disposal Plan on 10th November 2023, within the required three months of the closure event. The Disposal Plan sets out proposals for the future of the asset…Read More
Fylde Council’s Executive Committee considered a report following the notice of motion at Full Council on 2 October 2023. The report approved expenditure to commission a major report from Active Lancashire to consult with key local stakeholders and existing swimming providers in Fylde to understand the existing position, potential challenges and opportunities for the short, medium and long term. This…Read More
Following discussion, Fylde Council and YMCA Fylde Coast agreed the details of the Disposal Plan. The agreed plan will allow community groups to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) in taking on the facility and allow time to develop a business plan for its operation. For more detailed information about the Disposal Plan and the potential outcomes, read the full…Read More
From Friday 12 April 2024, voluntary and community bodies can submit an Expression of Interest in acquiring and operating the Kirkham swimming facility using the dedicated online form. This submission period will run for six weeks, until Friday 24 May 2024. Applicants that have made an Expression of Interest will be contacted by email when the Expression of Interest period…Read More
Start of ten-week period for any charity, community group or local authority that have expressed an interest to work up business plans. Criteria and advice have been published on the preparation of business plans which is available at this link. Groups that have expressed an interest are advised to read through this document and tailor their submission accordingly. Please note…Read More
Following the submission deadline on Friday 2 August, we have received one business plan in relation to acquiring and operating the Kirkham swimming facility. An evaluation of the business plan will now take place, and the outcome of this will be communicated.
Fylde Council continues to work closely with the YMCA and a promising Community Interest Company (CIC) who submitted a business plan for the Kirkham swimming facility. The disposal plan was originally set to conclude on 18 October, however proposals to extend this time period are under consideration which allow the Council to work with the CIC to strengthen the business…Read More
The Scrutiny Committee examined a detailed report outlining the business plan submitted by the CIC interest in taking over Kirkham Pool. The committee evaluated the risks and opportunities associated with this proposal, recommending a series of measures to the Executive Committee on 5 November. Read the full report here
An extension of the Kirkham Pool Disposal Plan with the YMCA was agreed at the Executive Committee to a backstop date of 17th February 2025. It was decided the council would continue exploring all practical options for the provision of swimming in Kirkham following a comprehensive review by the Community Focus Scrutiny Committee on 29 October. The Council has agreed…Read More
The CIC Wave Reach has made the decision to withdraw from its role in acquiring and operating Kirkham Pool. The YMCA will formally hand back ownership of the site to the council no later than 17 February 2025, and it is now included in the procurement process for the new leisure contract, along with St Annes Pool. Read the full…Read More
Fylde Council’s Executive Committee has approved plans to acquire Kirkham Pool from the YMCA for a nominal sum of £1, marking a vital step forward in securing swimming provision for the Fylde area. The decision follows the withdrawal of Wave Reach CIC from the facility’s Disposal Plan process and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to maintaining vital leisure facilities across the…Read More
Fylde Council’s Executive Committee has endorsed a proposal to acquire Kirkham Pool from the YMCA, allocating £75,000 in annual revenue funding to secure and monitor the site, along with £150,000 in capital investment for essential preservation works once the transfer is complete. This significant financial commitment will help prevent further deterioration of the facility, which has been closed since 2021,…Read More
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…Read More
