Funding boost for Ilfracombe Pool and Fitness Centre

Ilfracombe Pool and Fitness Centre is set to undergo significant energy efficiency upgrades thanks to a generous funding injection of £88,347 from Sport England's Swimming Pool Support Fund. 

The grant will facilitate the installation of solar panels and LED lighting, enhancing sustainability and reducing operational costs.

North Devon Council, among 264 local authorities benefiting from the £60 million fund, welcomes the opportunity to enhance the facility's environmental footprint. 

Councillor Ian Roome, Leader of North Devon Council, said: “ "We are delighted that Ilfracombe Pool and Fitness Centre will benefit from Sport England's Swimming Pool Support Fund. These upgrades will allow us to improve the sustainability of the pool, giving the local community a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective place for people to stay active and healthy."

Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure Ltd, Glen Hall, says: “As a long term partner of North Devon Council, we are pleased to have worked with them in supporting this application with the technical aspects of the bid. 

Executive Director of Place at Sport England, Lisa Dodd-Mayne, says: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active. We hope today’s funding announcement will enable more public pools to improve their energy efficiency to be more environmentally and financially sustainable, so they remain available for future generations to enjoy.”

The Swimming Pool Support Fund has seen £20m provided by Sport England via the National Lottery and just over £40m provided by the Government as part of their commitment to support the long-term sustainability of public leisure.