Issue - meetings

Recommendation

That essential repairs are undertaken to a value of approximately £1.2m, funded from the Strategic Capacity Unallocated reserve, to enable Richmond Pool to reopen to the public.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Community Development setting out the findings and recommendations in relation to the future options for Richmond Pool.

The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers, introduced the report which set out that Richmond Pool had been transferred to the Council’s in-house leisure service in March 2025.  In April sections of the ceiling fell into the pool hall resulting in the closure of the pool.  A full options appraisal had been carried out to assess the options for the future of the site, and this included community consultation.  The preferred option was to undertake essential works to the pool to enable it to re-open as quickly as possible and also to make improvements to the gym. 

Councillor Stuart Parsons addressed the Executive and described the background to the closure of the pool, which had previously been run by a trust, whilst still requiring council subsidy.  Councillor Parsons referred to the expansion of Catterick Garrison which was likely to mean that Catterick Pool would not be available for public use in the future and supported the proposals for repair.

In response to a query from Councillor Gareth Dadd on the annual subsidy which would be required, the Assistant Director Culture and Leisure and Assistant Director Resources explained that the annual budget for 2025/26 was c£408k per year and it was hoped that this would reduce over time as the pool benefitted from the efficiencies of being part of a larger service. The business plan subsidy figure for option 1 of £528k took into account capital repayment costs for the proposed investment.

Whilst the pool had historically been less well used than other Council leisure facilities the Executive Member stressed the importance of residents making use of the facility.  The MOD were thanked for allowing use of Catterick Pool whilst Richmond Pool was closed.

Resolved (unanimously)

That essential repairs are undertaken to a value of approximately £1.2m, funded from the Strategic Capacity Unallocated reserve, to enable Richmond Pool to reopen to the public.

Reason for recommendation

To enable works to be undertaken to Richmond Pool and for it to fully re-open for community use.

Alternative options considered

A range of alternative options were considered as outlined in detail in section 4 of the report.