St Annes Swimming Pool is a vital community facility that has served residents and visitors for many years. This page provides information about the pool’s current operations, recent improvements, and future plans.
Under the current operating arrangement, the council provides an annual subsidy to support the operation of the pool in its present condition. This financial model will change with the new contract, as the planned investment in the facility aims to improve its long-term financial sustainability.
Latest Update December 2025
Places Leisure has been appointed as Fylde Council’s preferred operator to operate St Annes Swimming Pool from 1 April 2026. Places Leisure is part of Places for People Group, one of the UK’s leading leisure operators.
Fylde Council will fund the improvement to the pool. The council has committed a minimum of £1.9 million for essential works, with the possibility of enhanced investment if financially viable. Places Leisure will oversee delivery of these improvements once the contract commences.
The YMCA will continue to operate the pool until 31 March 2026, ensuring uninterrupted service during the transition. Current membership arrangements, swimming lessons, and classes will continue as normal throughout this period.
Important information for current YMCA members: YMCA memberships currently provide access to facilities across Wyre and Fylde. When Places Leisure takes over on 1 April 2026, members will need to choose between Places Leisure or the YMCA, and will only be able to use their chosen operator’s facilities. See the FAQ section below for more details.
Places Leisure is committed to working closely with the YMCA to ensure a smooth transition when they take over operations in April 2026.
Final contract details will be confirmed by the end of January 2026 following approval at Full Council.
For membership enquiries or information about current services, please contact the YMCA directly.
About St Annes Swimming Pool
Ownership and Operations
St Annes Swimming Pool is owned by Fylde Council, which is responsible for maintaining the building and asset. The YMCA has operated the pool under contract since 2010, managing day-to-day services and general site maintenance.
Under the current operating arrangement, the council provides an annual subsidy to support the operation of the pool in its present condition. This financial model will change with the new contract, as the planned investment in the facility aims to improve its long-term financial sustainability.
Current Services
St Annes Swimming Pool offers a range of services including public swimming sessions, swimming lessons, fitness classes, and gym facilities. The pool serves both recreational swimmers and those learning to swim, as well as supporting school swimming programmes.
For current opening times, prices, and activities, visit the YMCA St Annes Pool and Gym website.
Investment and Improvements
Fylde Council has made significant investment in St Annes Swimming Pool to ensure its long-term sustainability and enhance the facility for users.
Capital Investment
Fylde Council has committed a minimum of £1.9 million for essential works at St Annes Swimming Pool. The level of investment could be significantly higher depending on the outcome of the council’s financial review of the proposed improvements. These improvements will be delivered following the contract commencement with Places Leisure in April 2026.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
The pool has benefited from nearly £300,000 in funding through Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund. This grant has enabled the installation of energy-efficient boilers and solar panels in autumn/winter 2024. These improvements will help reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions and support the long-term affordability of the facility.
As a condition of this grant funding, the pool must remain operational for at least 10 years, ensuring continued swimming provision for the community.
Council Support for St Annes Pool
Fylde Council has consistently supported swimming provision at St Annes through various measures:
Additional subsidy approved to support YMCA operations during a period of increased cost pressures. Read the full report.
Successful application to Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund Phase 1, providing emergency funding to assist facilities facing elevated closure risk due to increased operational costs. Read more.
Successful application to Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund Phase 2, securing capital investment for energy efficiency improvements. Read more.
Approval of funding for comprehensive works and procurement strategy for new operating contract. Read more.
Contract extension agreed with YMCA until 31 March 2026, ensuring continuous service during procurement process. Read more.
Places Leisure appointed as preferred operator following competitive tender process. Read more.
FAQs
St Annes Swimming Pool is owned by Fylde Council, which is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the building and asset.
The YMCA has operated the pool under contract with Fylde Council since 2010, managing day-to-day services, programming, and general site maintenance. Under the current arrangement, the YMCA receives a subsidy from the council, which is partly needed due to the current condition of the facility and operational costs associated with running the pool in its present state.
From 1 April 2026, Places Leisure will take over as the pool operator following a competitive tender process.
Fylde Council has committed a minimum of £1.9 million for essential works at St Annes Swimming Pool. The level of investment could be significantly higher depending on the outcome of the council’s financial review of the proposed improvements. These improvements will be delivered by Places Leisure following the contract commencement in April 2026.
Additionally, energy efficiency upgrades including new boilers and solar panels have been completed through Sport England funding, reducing running costs and environmental impact.
Yes. The YMCA will continue operating the pool until 31 March 2026, and Places Leisure will commence operations from 1 April 2026, ensuring no interruption to services during the operator transition.
As part of the improvement works, there may be a short closure of the changing facilities for approximately 8 weeks. However, Places Leisure will do everything possible to avoid this disruption and will explore alternative options to keep facilities available throughout the refurbishment period. Further details about any planned works and their timing will be communicated well in advance.
Current YMCA membership arrangements, swimming lessons, and classes will continue as normal until 31 March 2026.
The YMCA currently operates leisure facilities across both Wyre and Fylde, and existing memberships provide access to all YMCA sites in both areas. When Places Leisure takes over St Annes Swimming Pool on 1 April 2026, this cross-regional access will end.
Current members will need to choose between:
- Transferring to Places Leisure – Members choosing Places Leisure will have access to St Annes Swimming Pool and other Places Leisure facilities. View Places Leisure Locations
- Remaining with the YMCA – The YMCA owns and operates facilities in the area. Members choosing to remain with the YMCA will continue to enjoy access to YMCA owned sites. View YMCA locations
Following the transition, members will only be able to use facilities operated by their chosen provider. Cross-access between Wyre and Fylde sites will no longer be available.
Information about membership arrangements under Places Leisure will be communicated to members well in advance of the transition. Places Leisure is committed to working closely with the YMCA to ensure a smooth transition. For current membership enquiries, please contact the YMCA.
