Questions and answers on the considerations for new swimming facilities
Promoting healthy and active living
We are considering options to build new sustainable health, swim and fitness facilities for King’s Lynn and Hunstanton, to promote active lifestyles and wellbeing.
A report will be considered by the Joint Panel meeting on 3 December 2024, prior to a Cabinet meeting on 10 December 2024.
Cabinet will be asked to agree to more detailed analysis and consideration of two options to help councillors make an informed decision on the best way forward for the borough.
Why is this work being undertaken?
St James Swimming Pool, opened in 1975, and Oasis Leisure Centre, opened in 1984, are at the end of their economic lives and increasingly expensive to run, according to an initial assessment undertaken by us. Both have high energy costs and carbon emissions due to their age and inefficient design, and will require significant investment to keep them running in the coming years.
We are working to increase physical activity levels in the borough, which are lower than the national average. As part of boosting local health and wellbeing, we are starting to explore opportunities for investing in and improving leisure facilities.
What are the two options under consideration?
On 10 December 2024, Cabinet will consider a report recommending further feasibility work, providing more detail on two options:
- Build a new, modern swimming pool at Lynnsport, or an alternative town centre location, to replace St James’ Swimming Pool
- Build a new, modern Oasis Leisure Centre, at or near Hunstanton seafront.
What would be the next steps?
If Cabinet agrees, the next stage would include more detailed work on planning, design, costs, funding opportunities and business plans, transport considerations and timescales, as well as engagement with key stakeholders and the wider community.
What are the timescales for delivery?
Project development will be phased, follow the RIBA stages, and we are at the start of that process. The next stage is to undertake more detailed analysis work to progress the options to RIBA Stage 2, to help councillors make an informed decision on next steps. This work will also scope out potential project timescales. RIBA Stage 2 typically takes up to six months to complete.
Why are you looking at Lynnsport as a possible location for a new pool?
Lynnsport has been identified as a location for further consideration because it has sufficient development space that is already council-owned and a new pool here has the potential to enhance the existing sport and fitness offer at Lynnsport for King’s Lynn. However, no decisions have been made yet and the next stage would include more detailed analysis and consideration of location options including town centre locations, to help councillors make an informed decision on whether Lynnsport is the right location.
Where on the Lynnsport site might it be located?
Project development is in the earliest stages. No decisions have yet been made. The next stage of work would be more detailed analysis and consideration of the Lynnsport option, including site surveys and engagement with key stakeholders including user groups and the wider community, to help councillors make an informed decision on next steps.
How will this work be funded and what could the costs be?
Cabinet has been asked to agree funding of up to £450,000 from our ‘Invest to Save’ fund to progress project development through to RIBA Stage 2. This would include more detailed work on costs, funding opportunities and robust business planning, to ensure the new facilities can be financially sustainable.
To put this initial funding in context, the borough’s leisure facilities need a £1.4m subsidy to run each year. St James’ alone will need further investment of more than £2m simply to remain open over the next three years. We face the choice of continuing to spend money on sustaining old facilities or instead, invest in new facilities which are cheaper to run and will be much better used.
Where could the new Oasis be positioned?
The option under consideration is to build a new, modern Oasis Leisure Centre, preferably at or near Hunstanton seafront in a highly visible location to retain and further increase tourist usage. The next stage of would involve more detailed analysis and consideration of potential locations. No decisions have been made.
What will be the facilities at the new Oasis leisure centre?
Project development is in the earliest stages. The next stage would involve more detailed analysis and consideration of the options under consideration, including planning, design, costs, funding opportunities and business plans. Further work on the potential facilities mix will be considered as a key part of this stage. This will need to ensure the facilities meet local health and fitness needs into the future, and they are financially sustainable to run.
How will local people and user groups be involved in shaping the next phase of the work?
We are committed to seek the views of local people and key user groups during the early part of 2025 and beyond that if the projects progress further. A detailed plan of how this engagement will take place will be made public in due course.
Why not invest in Downham Market too?
The pool at Downham Market Sports Centre opened in 1993. While it will need future investment, it is operating well with no significant issues at the present time. St James Swimming Pool, opened in 1975, and Oasis Leisure Centre, opened in 1984, are the borough’s oldest leisure facilities. An initial assessment undertaken by us has concluded they are at the end of their economic lives and increasingly expensive to run. Both have high energy costs and carbon emissions due to their age and inefficient design, and will require significant investment to keep them running in the coming years. Downham Market is not currently a pressing priority compared to St James’ and the Oasis.