Details of three pools revealed as part of £20 million Spalding Castle Sports Complex

A £20million funding bid to revamp the Castle Sports Complex would bring three new swimming pools to the facility, it has been revealed.

South Holland District Council last week announced that it is asking for the cash from the Government's Levelling Up Fund to establish a 'health and wellbeing hub' at the Spalding site.

Today, details have been released for the new swimming pool - which would be created next to the existing 'dry side'.

If the bid is accepted, this could mean an improved six-lane 25 metre pool, as well as a new, larger teaching pool aimed at supporting learners of all ages, family swimming and physiotherapy and rehabilitation activity.

A new splash pad area could also be installed for younger children and families, featuring water fountains and sprayers designed for fun water play and exploration.

Councillor Nick Worth, deputy leader and portfolio holder for people, places, economy, said: “The quality and variety of our swimming facilities in the district is a topic that is regularly raised with us by residents and local community groups, and I hope people would agree that these plans provide a potential opportunity to make a really exciting step forward in this offer.

“We know how important it is for our residents that they are able to access desirable leisure facilities, both for health and wellbeing purposes and for fun and recreation. If we are successful in this bid, we will not only be able to positively transform this provision, but will also open up capital funding that we would otherwise have spent on the Castle site to make significant investment and improvements across the rest of South Holland.”

The bid to Government would be part of the second round of Levelling Up funding, designed to invest in infrastructure that 'has the potential to improve lives and give people pride in their communities'.

The bid is due to be submitted by the council in July.

Nick Vere, club chair of South Lincs Swimming Club, which has been at the complex for over 40 years, welcomed the plans, adding: “Swimming is an important life skill, especially in South Lincolnshire with our many rivers and drains. The swimming pool in Spalding has always provided an inclusive and accessible place for all to learn to swim and access the health and wellbeing benefits of exercise. And through the various clubs based at the pool develop a lifelong involvement with aquatic sports.

“South Lincs Competitive Swimming Club has been running for nearly 45 years; teaching hundreds of local people to swim and providing opportunities for our swimmers to compete, some at the highest levels in British and international swimming. We want to ensure the long-term future of our club and pool for generations of budding athletes to come and we see investment such as this as critical to the future of swimming in South Lincolnshire."

The council also wants to hear from the public. Send your views on the bid to consultations@sholland.gov.uk