Historic Pools of Britain virtual event follow-up
Thank you to everyone who attended our HPB virtual event last week – we welcomed pools from the length and breadth of the country along with individual members. The updates we heard reflected a very mixed picture – from developments to be excited about, to challenges to get united about. There are projects at different stages and receiving different levels of support from local authorities, but the common factor is the passion and dedication shared by all.
We promised to distribute a few messages from the session more widely:
- Chester City Baths is looking for a set of stainless steel easy access pool steps. If you think you can help please get in touch here.
- The benefits of working with Space Hive to support a fundraising strategy were highlighted and the link for more information is here. We also have some overviews from Chester City Baths of the projects that have been successful for them for anyone that wants more details.
- To check your eligibility for the government’s energy bills discount scheme you should check your UK SIC code registered with Companies House. Currently if you are listed as 91030 then you will qualify as an “Operation of historical sites and buildings and similar visitor attractions”.
- Friends of Carlisle Victorian & Turkish Baths is going to need the help of historic pools friends from around the country and we’ll be in touch about this separately.
Energy intensive industries list
Historic Pools of Britain is joining the call for the government to include swimming pools on the list of energy intensive industries and to recognise the challenges that the sector faces. It was something that was discussed at our virtual event and where we also shared a template letter for members to encourage supporters to lobby their MPs. It’s something we’d really suggest people do, so that MPs are aware of the issues concerning their constituents. You can download the template here.
Broomhill Pools Trust
The Levelling Up Fund has been making headlines and for Broomhill Pools Trust the announcements have delivered bad news. Despite the tremendous efforts of Ipswich Borough Council and local MPs, a bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund has not been successful. This would have addressed the situation the Trust has found itself in following the Covid pandemic, which delayed renovations to the lido and then saw costs rising beyond the funds being agreed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Fusion Lifestyle and Ipswich Borough Council.
The Trust is now in talks with the funders about next steps, having spent years working to get to this stage, and at government level MPs are pressing to look for a solution.
Grange Lido
For supporters of Grange Lido there has been the welcome news that Eden Project Morecambe is set to receive £50 million of government funding, which will have a positive impact for the whole area. This announcement came in the same week that Save Grange Lido CBS was awarded £35,000 from the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund by South Lakeland District Council. £20,000 will be used for a renewables feasibility study and £15,000 will be used to continue the work being carried out on pool design.
Historic Pools of Britain Events Calendar
We are busy planning a series of on-site events across the year – with lots to look forward to! There will be a HPB early summer event at Hathersage Swimming Pool, a special behind the scenes HPB members visit to explore the restoration that has taken place at Cleveland Pools in the summer and our HPB autumn event will be at Chester City Pools. The first confirmed date is at Chester City Pools, which will take place on Wednesday 11 October.
We will share the other dates as soon as they are confirmed.
- Source: Historic Pools of Britain
- Date: January 2023