Major Funding Boost for Sustainable Swimming in St Ives and Helston

In a significant development for sports and recreation in Cornwall, St Ives Leisure Centre and Helston Sports Centre are set to become more energy-efficient, thanks to a generous capital grant from the Swimming Pool Support Fund Round 2.

Managed under the Better brand by GLL on behalf of Cornwall Council, these centres have secured a total of £207,000 to enhance their facilities and reduce energy use.

Solar Power and Efficiency Upgrades

The funding allocation sees St Ives Leisure Centre receiving £157,000 for the installation of solar panels and energy-efficient pool pumps. Meanwhile, Helston Sports Centre has been awarded £50,000, which will be channelled towards solar panel installation. This financial support is part of a broader effort to make swimming pools across the region more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

James, Head of Service for GLL, shared his enthusiasm about the grant: “This award is fantastic news for the future sustainability of St Ives and Helston swimming pools. We have reduced our energy consumption by 48% in the nine Cornish leisure centres we operate on behalf of Cornwall Council since 2017 – the equivalent of more than 8 million kilowatt hours to date.”

He also expressed gratitude towards Sport England, the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and Cornwall Council for their contribution towards making the Cornish swimming pools more sustainable. With a deadline for expenditure set for early 2025, efforts are now underway to progress the projects swiftly, adhering to the terms of the award.

A Testament to Collaboration

The successful application to Sport England’s £60m Swimming Pool Support Fund, which saw a £40 million contribution from the government and an additional £20 million from lottery funding, was a collaborative effort led by Cornwall Council in partnership with Cornwall’s swimming pool operators. The scheme was highly competitive, with just over 300 swimming pools across England receiving awards amidst a large number of applicants.

This latest funding announcement follows a previous success in round one, where GLL secured £449,168 for six of their swimming pools across Cornwall, including Bodmin, St Ives, Helston, Liskeard, Newquay, and Saltash.

Local Support and Commitment

Councillor for Helston North, Mike, expressed his support for the investment in Helston Sport Centre: “I fully support this investment in Helston Sport Centre and would like to thank all GLL staff for their commitment to this important local facility.”

This financial boost underscores a commitment to sustainability and community health, marking a significant step towards reducing energy consumption and ensuring the future viability of these cherished local amenities.