Harry Wearing
By Harry Wearing

Senior Staff Writer

6 September 2019

| | 3 min read

Community

Get ready to dive back into Elswick Pool.

Newcastle City Council has finished recommissioning Elswick Pool and have officially handed the keys to the Elswick Community Pool on Thursday 5th September ahead of their public launch.

Final touches being made to the new Elswick Pool.

Works completed by the council are designed to reinvigorate the building and bring it back into use, ensuring it is safe and operational before the community organisation takes over the management and running of the leisure facility.  

The works have included repairs to the pool, which is now refilled with fresh water, treatment system and pumps, electricals, modern gym equipment and new flooring in the former dance studio, creating a perfect space for a variety of activities.  

Elswick Pool was originally closed in October 2015 following budget cuts effecting the city council’s services. The Council expressed a desire to work with a dedicated group of local volunteers, partner agencies and funding bodies to develop a viable business plan to reopen to the pool.

Councillor John-Paul Stephenson, cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Public Health said:

“I am thrilled to see that Elswick Pool has reached this important milestone and would like to thank the team of builders, developers and the local community for supporting this project.

“Elswick Pool is at the heart of the local community and once reopened will provide brilliant facilities for families and schools that will help them improve their health. The developments to date are a celebration of the work of the council and local volunteers who are taking a dedicated approach to bringing Elswick Pool back to life.

“I believe strongly that creating vibrant neighbourhoods that support all residents, families and visitors to live healthy, active lives is vitally important and has a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the whole city.”

Elswick Pool was officially handed over to the Friends of Elswick Pool group on Thursday 5th September, the community pool will reopen on Monday 9th September.

Once opened it is hoped the pool will create new jobs along with working in partnership with Newcastle College to train 24 lifeguards. Job opportunities, opening times and facility information is all available on the new website - elswickpool.co.uk