Update: Investing in leisure facilities at Lynnsport

Cllr Ring said: “I would like to thank all residents and users who took part in the recent community engagement around our important aspirations to modernise and future-proof our sport and leisure facilities at Lynnsport to boost community health and wellbeing.

“It’s clear the community wants a modern and larger swimming pool at Lynnsport to replace St James’ Pool, which is at the end of its economic life and only has six lanes. And we’ve heard very real concerns about the significant and potentially harmful disruption to current Lynnsport users that would be unavoidable with a wholesale redevelopment programme.   

“During this latest phase of feasibility, we have also undertaken detailed work into financial sustainability, because this would be a significant longer-term public investment and we have a duty to ensure everything we build is affordable into the future.

“While the estimated project cost remains the same, it is now clear the additional income generated by the wholesale redevelopment of Lynnsport as originally proposed would not be enough to fully offset the £40m capital borrowing required.

“Considering people’s feedback and the financial advice, we have looked again at how we could potentially reshape the plans to focus more strongly around people’s priorities and still deliver the key benefits for our communities, though at better value.

“With the endorsement of the Members Working Group, I have asked our project team to instead explore the feasibility of building at Lynnsport a new stand-alone eight-lane, 25m pool with learner pool and splash pad, plus potentially other new facilities like padel tennis courts. Alongside this, we would continue investing in maintaining and modernising the existing Lynnsport facilities, though on a phased basis to spread the cost and reduce disruption.

“Of course, at this stage no decisions have been made. It will be for Full Council to make an informed decision on the best way forward for the borough, once this feasibility work is completed.”

Cllr Ring added: “As Cabinet Member, I am proud to express strong support for the proposed Adapted Sports Hub at Lynnsport and am keen to explore how we can contribute financially to this visionary initiative. Led by the Adapted Sports Hub Trust in partnership with Little Discoverers, Little Miracles and Pelicans Hockey Club, the project will deliver a purpose-built, fully accessible facility designed to break down barriers to sport and physical activity for disabled people across West Norfolk.

“The Hub will provide specialised adapted sports spaces, inclusive changing facilities, a sensory room and welcoming areas for children, adults and families of all abilities. When combined with the potential to develop a significantly expanded aquatic offer through a new stand-alone pool at Lynnsport, this investment presents a unique opportunity to launch the site as a centre of excellence for disabled sports and activities, enhancing health, wellbeing and social connection and positioning Lynnsport as a nationally recognised destination for inclusive and disability sport.”

Responding to the news, Simon Rose, Chair of West Norfolk Swimming Club, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Borough Council is looking afresh at plans to replace St James Pool. We believe that the facilities now being scoped are what the Borough needs and the community deserves.

“As a club, we are excited about the amazing opportunities that a modern aquatics facility would create. From nurturing talent through enhanced training spaces and enabling competitive events, to encouraging more people of all ages to join our club, this development would bring lasting benefits for our members and for the wider community.

“The prospect of such a swimming space is not only exciting for club swimming, but for learn-to-swim programmes and public swim sessions, ensuring that swimming remains accessible and enjoyable for all. The inclusion of a dedicated splash zone for families with young children is a fantastic addition, which would make the centre truly inclusive and appealing to all generations.

“We are confident our members and supporters will be fully behind this new proposal, recognising the immense value this new centre will bring to health, wellbeing, and opportunities for everyone in the Borough.

“We are grateful to the Borough Council to have been consulted around replacement pool provision for the town from the initial stages and now look forward to supporting the progression and delivery of this project in any way we can and in celebrating the bright future of swimming for everyone in our area.”

Charles Lankfer, President of the Pelicans, added: “The Adapted Sports Hub exists because we recognised a significant gap in adapted and disability-friendly sports facilities in West Norfolk, where many individuals and families were unable to access regular, safe, and inclusive sporting opportunities.

“Our vision is rooted in the belief that sport is a fundamental right—not a privilege—and that everyone deserves the chance to be active, feel included, and flourish within their community. The Hub at Lynnsport will provide specialist spaces that respond to the diverse needs of users, from adaptive equipment and sensory-friendly areas to coaching and community-driven programmes that enable meaningful participation.

“Much like the growing ‘Ride United’ adapted cycling sessions that already bring people together in a positive and encouraging environment, the Hub will expand opportunities for both recreational and competitive sport for children and adults with a range of physical and learning needs.

“With inclusive and accessible facilities, we can improve health outcomes, combat social isolation, and foster lifelong enjoyment of sport. Together, we can make Lynnsport a nationally recognised beacon of inclusive sport and ensure that no one is held back from the benefits of physical activity and community participation.”  To know more about the Hub please visit Homepage - Ash West Norfolk