Introduction
The re-opening of Birtley Community Pool marks a remarkable achievement in community resilience and collaboration. Faced with the closure of Birtley Swimming Centre in July 2023 due to budget constraints, the local community came together, spearheaded by a group of committed volunteers, to revive this beloved facility. Through the formation of the Birtley Community Aquatic Centre (BCAC), they raised £400,000 to transform the pool into an essential space for physical activity, social connection, and community well-being.
The journey was not without its challenges. From securing funding and recruiting staff to developing operational plans, the BCAC team navigated a complex landscape of logistical and financial demands. Their efforts were supported by Louise Graham, Head of Aquatics for the Swim England North East Region, who proactively facilitated connections with Swim City, a renowned Learn to Swim (LTS) provider. These introductions ensured Birtley Community Pool could offer a high-quality swim programme to all ages and abilities, providing Birtley Swimming Club and the newly formed Derwentside & Gateshead Swim Team to access excellent facilities.
The revitalised pool now features significant upgrades, from new boilers and LED lighting to an inflatable obstacle course, each enhancement designed to enrich the customer’s experience. With the community-driven programming, partnerships with local businesses, and the support from The Royal Foundation, Birtley Community Pool stands as a beacon of local perseverance, offering lasting benefits to its customers and a renewed commitment to community health and inclusivity.
Background and Motivation
A community swimming pool saved from permanent closure by a £400,000 fundraising effort has re-opened. Gateshead Council closed Birtley Swimming Centre in July 2023 due to budget cuts. Volunteers set up Birtley Community Aquatic Centre (BCAC) as a charitable incorporated organisation and raised the money to help open the venue as a not-for-profit venture. Now known as Birtley Community Pool, the site has undergone a major revamp including the installation of new boilers, LED lights, a refurbished waterslide, and new pool equipment including an 18m long inflatable obstacle course.
The closure of Birtley Community Pool was a significant loss for the local community, prompting a group of diverse trustees to work together on a project to re-open the pool. Initially spearheaded by Dean Cox and Matthew Grant, the initiative was born from a combination of personal and community-driven motivations. Many of the trustees were regular swimmers or had children who were involved in swimming at Birtley, while others, including local school governors, had a vested interest in the educational and developmental benefits of swimming. Increasing costs and limited availability of pool time at other leisure centres further compounded the need for Birtley Pool to re-open, particularly for local swimming clubs. This urgency inspired the team to channel their diverse backgrounds, including pool plant operation, IT, HR, social media and fundraising, into a collective effort.
Challenges Faced in the Re-opening Process
The journey to re-open Birtley Community Pool was far from straightforward. Starting in March 2023, the team embarked on an extensive process, beginning with the creation of a comprehensive business plan. This plan drew inspiration from the successful re-opening of Elswick Pool, setting a benchmark for community engagement and operations.
Securing funds was another significant hurdle. It took a year of consistent effort for the team to secure more than £50,000 from Sport England and local community contributions by March 2024. During this period, the charity was established to manage the project and galvanise community support. An application was made to the Community Ownership Fund for £272k of funding which was awarded in late March which was critical for the pool to be re-opened.
The next key challenge lay in organising the various logistical aspects of the re-opening. Matthew Grant developed of a detailed project plan, ensuring that essential elements such as the boiler, security systems, car park, and water slide were addressed in time for a September launch. Recruitment posed another challenge, with competition from nearby pools for qualified staff. Despite delays, the team successfully hired 20 employees, including six full-time staff, through recruitment remains an ongoing priority.
Producing the pool’s safety protocols was a further challenge. The creation of the necessary documents, including risk assessments, the Normal Operating Procedures (NOP) and Emergency Action Plans (EAP), came close to the opening date. Nevertheless, the team ensured these documents were of a high standard, contributing to a safe and successful re-opening.
New Features and Community Improvements
Birtley Community Pool has undergone a range of improvements aimed at enhancing the overall experience for its users. The combination of local funding the Community Ownership Funding, and a further significant amount provided by the Royal Foundation, enabled several key upgrades to be implemented:
- Boiler Replacement: Ensuring energy efficiency, and reliability.
- Water Slide Refurbishment: A revitalised attraction that enhances the fun factor for younger swimmers.
- New LED Lighting: Bright and energy-efficient lighting that improves the overall ambiance and safety of the pool and reduces electricity costs.
- Security and Infrastructure: The car park was resurfaced and new security measures were installed on the doors and windows, upgraded to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
- New Pool Equipment: The pool was equipped with an inflatable obstacle course, new safety equipment, and IT systems and hardware to improve both recreational and operational aspects and provide a good customer experience.
In addition to physical improvements, the pool now offers a community room that includes a soft play space for young children. This feature was designed to engage parents who may have children enrolled in swimming lessons, offering them a social space to entertain younger siblings while they wait.
Weekend activities, such as the obstacle course and the use of the refurbished water slide, have already attracted many families looking for fun and active ways to spend their time. Swim City, the pool’s Swim School provider, has introduced a high-quality swimming lesson program, focusing on a low 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio to ensure safety and personalised attention and swim school numbers have already reached 600 per week.
Long-term Community Benefits
The re-opening of Birtley Community Pool represents more than just a restored facility; it symbolises a new chapter in community fitness, wellness, and social engagement. The pool serves as a hub for physical activity, particularly for older adults who are encouraged to take part in sessions like Aquafit and walking in water – both of which are low-impact exercises suitable for managing long-term, chronic injuries.
Local businesses have been approached to sponsor the pool in exchange for offering discounted memberships for their employees, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among those who sponsor the pool’s revival. Social elements, such as table seating, WiFi and plans to install vending machines and hot drink facilities, aim to create an environment where people can gather beyond their swim sessions.
In the long term, the pool hopes to continue expanding its outreach by offering a different pool timetable during school half-term breaks which provide more fun opportunities for families and encouraging local schools to promote swimming activities to parents.
Prince William’s Support and Its Impact
The re-opening of Birtley Community Pool was significantly elevated by the attendance and support of Prince William, who brought much-needed publicity to the event. His presence, along with the involvement of Olympians and Paralympians in swimming related workshops, generated widespread excitement and media attention, showcasing the pool as a symbol of community resilience and collaboration.
The event, organised by The Royal Foundation, was not only a media highlight but also a morale booster for the local community. Many felt a deep appreciation for the royal visit, seeing it as a testament to the importance of local initiatives and the value they bring to society.
The Royal Foundation’s Backing
The backing of The Royal Foundation was instrumental in the pool’s re-opening. Its financial support provided the necessary funds to cover key expenditure that might have otherwise delayed or derailed the project. This backing gave the trustees and community members the confidence to push forward, knowing that they had royal endorsement and practical support.
Conclusion
The re-opening of Birtley Community Pool is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. Overcoming numerous challenges, from funding and staffing to infrastructure and safety, the team of trustees and volunteers successfully brought back a valuable community asset. With enhanced facilities, high-quality swimming programmes, and a strong focus on inclusivity and social well-being, Birtley Pool is poised to play a central role in promoting health, fitness, and community spirit for years to come.
