Cash boost will ensure pool keeps its head above water

A cash boost for the swimming pool at Torquay's Riviera International Centre will keep it afloat - and open.
Torbay Council has worked in partnership with Parkwood Leisure and Lex Leisure, operators of the RIC, to secure £140,321 from the Government's Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF).
The vital funding will help to support the RIC at a time of increased operating costs to ensure the swimming pool remains open and affordable to the community.
The SPSF provides a total of £60 million to local authorities in England. The fund provides a support package for public leisure facilities with swimming pools.
The application process and fund allocation are split into two phases:
Phase I - Revenue: £20m is available to support facilities with swimming pools with increased cost pressures. This phase aims to prevent swimming pool closure or significant service reduction.
Phase II - Capital: £40m is available from the government for capital investment. This phase aims to improve the energy efficiency of public facilities with pools in the medium to long term.
Successful local bids for Phase I or Phase II funds will help support the council's Torbay on the Move strategy which aims to support and encourage residents to be more active.
Keeping local swimming centres open helps to drive a healthier, happier Torbay and create an active culture, says the council.
Cllr Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Swimming pools are a vital resource for our communities, providing a range of recreation from fun with the family to swimming lessons and high-level sports training. These activities offer improved physical health and also provide significant benefits to mental health.
“The Swimming Pool Support Funding will help to maintain local swimming facilities and protect opportunities for active and healthy lifestyles in Torbay.”
On behalf of Torbay Council, Parkwood Leisure, one of the UK’s leading leisure facilities operators, in partnership with Lex Leisure, has been managing the RIC since April 2021.
Glen Hall, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure, said: “I am delighted that this vital support has been secured to enable continued provision of swimming opportunities in Torquay.
“Learning to swim is an essential life skill, particularly in a coastal location such as Torquay, and swimming is a great way of maintaining an active lifestyle, which is so important to the health and wellbeing of the whole community.
“I am really grateful to the Council and our partners Lex Leisure, for all of the work that has gone into a successful application.”
Other local swimming pools were unsuccessful in their Phase I applications. These include Swim Torquay and Admiral Swimming Centre in Brixham. Both centres, alongside the RIC, will be applying for Phase II funding to help sustain their futures.