£9.3m swimming pools investment planned by council

Swimming baths have moved a step closer to reopening under a borough council's plans to invest £9.3m on its leisure facilities.

Fylde Council's executive committee has recommended proposals to both reopen Kirkham Baths - which closed in 2021 - and modernise St Annes swimming pool.

Subject to full council approval, Kirkham Baths will be reconditioned with a new fitness suite and refurbished changing rooms, while the transformation in St Annes will include a new gym, spa facilities and cafe being built

Councillor Karen Buckley, leader of Fylde Council, said the authority was determined to find a "practical and sustainable answer to swimming provision" in the Fylde.

The swimming pool in Kirkham shut after suffering significant structural damage caused by Storm Arwen in December 2021.

Buckley said: "We have worked through a complex set of challenges, assessed every viable option, and identified an approach that supports both sites.

"It represents a considered investment in facilities, providing stability for the future and ensures that our leisure facilities can continue to evolve in line with community needs."

Councillor Jayne Nixon, lead member for tourism, leisure and culture, said: "The restoration of Kirkham Baths and modernisation of St Annes Pool will provide our communities with quality leisure facilities that support health and wellbeing for years to come."

The decision follows December's announcement of Places Leisure as the preferred bidder for St Annes Pool.

The plans go before the full council on Tuesday.

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