Borough Council Considers Relocating Swimming Pools as Part of Revival Strategy

A borough council is developing strategies to revitalize two aging swimming facilities, potentially involving their relocation. An initial evaluation of St James’ swimming pool in King’s Lynn and Oasis Leisure Centre in Hunstanton indicates that these facilities have reached the end of their economic lifespan. Factors such as elevated energy expenses, significant carbon emissions, and insufficient capacity are prompting discussions about options to relocate and reconstruct the pools. Various proposals are currently being assembled, with a public consultation scheduled for 2025. The West Norfolk Swimming Club, which includes 150 competitive swimmers and 400 members, conducts its sessions at both St James’ and Oasis Leisure Centre. Simon Rose, the club’s chair, noted that despite the outdated facilities, the club currently “punch above their weight” by producing national-level swimmers. He stated, “Our preference as a club would be to see an eight lane pool.” Rose added, “That lends itself to multi use. So there could be learning sessions, public swimming and club sessions.” St James’ currently features six lanes. Sarah Vanderloo, the head coach, commented that closing St James’ would mark “the end of an era.” She remarked, “I’ve spent 40 years of my life in this pool.” Vanderloo expressed, “It would be lovely to have a new building with new facilities that would rival the ones we visit around the country.” She also indicated that a new facility would enable the club to accommodate an increased number of swimmers. Pemberley, aged 17, and Harvey, aged 18, both serve as captains for the West Norfolk Swim Club. They observe that competing at other clubs highlights the deficiencies of their current facilities. Harvey commented, “I’d love to see it look really modern. It’s been rundown for years now. I’m a lifeguard here and trying to keep on top of it is quite hard and there isn’t much more we can do.” Pemberley suggested that updated facilities would attract more participants. She shared, “I’ve been with the club for seven years, I’ve always enjoyed swimming it’s been a big part of my life. I’ve made all my best friends here. I’d like to see a new 50m pool so we can train long course and be better prepared for competitions.” Councillor Simon Ring, who holds the positions of deputy council leader and cabinet member for business and culture, indicated that relocating the St James’ facility to the Lynn Sport complex is one proposal under consideration. He stated, “There will be lots of consultation to come on this.” Councillor Ring emphasized, “It’s not my swimming pool – it’s the residents’ swimming pool – so we have to listen to what they want.” He mentioned that maintaining the current pools in King’s Lynn and Hunstanton until 2026 would incur a cost of £2m. He posed the question, “At some point you have to make a decision, are we putting good money after bad?” Councillor Ring also highlighted, “Together St James’ and Oasis account for 40% of the council’s carbon output.” He concluded, “We’re all facing a climate crisis and we’ve got to bring that number down.”