West Norfolk Council cabinet agrees to proceed with King’s Lynn and Hunstanton swimming pool replacement plans

Councillors have agreed to proceed with major plans which could see new swimming pools built in two key West Norfolk towns.

West Norfolk Council first unveiled plans to build up-to-date health, swim and fitness facilities in Lynn and Hunstanton last month.

And last night, the authority’s cabinet approved recommendations in the report, agreeing to undertake more detailed analysis and further feasibility work.

The two options being considered are to build a new, modern swimming pool at Lynnsport - or an alternative town centre location - to replace the St James Swimming Pool, and to construct a new Oasis Leisure Centre at or near the Hunstanton seafront.

Cabinet members are expected to progress these options to RIBA Stage 2, which involves designs for the new facilities being drawn up.

The next stage would also include more detailed work on planning, costs, funding opportunities and business plans, transport considerations and timescales, and engagement with key stakeholders and the wider community.

Lynn’s St James Swimming Pool, which opened in 1975, and Hunstanton’s Oasis Leisure Centre, which opened in 1984, are at the end of their economic lives and increasingly expensive to run, according to an initial assessment undertaken by the authority.

Cllr Simon Ring, deputy leader and cabinet member for business and culture, called the scheme a “once in a lifetime opportunity” at a recent cabinet meeting - and said it was important the council got the best facilities it can afford.

A worrying decline in swimming proficiency was highlighted by officers, as the latest figures have shown 76% of children living in deprived areas are not able to swim.

Cllr Sandra Squire, commenting on the issue, said: “These are terrifying figures. Water is everywhere in West Norfolk. It is so important children can swim, it can save lives.”

Additional reporting by local democracy reporter Owen Sennitt