INDUSTRY VIEWS
CREATING COMMUNITY ASSETS HOW POOLS CAN BE PROTECTED FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS Swimming pools are the lifeblood of local communities – vital assets that we must protect. They benefit all members of the community, providing safe spaces where children and adults can learn essential lifesaving skills, as well as fun and engaging spaces for families to create lasting memories. Swimming pools can be havens for those with mental health challenges, while offering a secure and supportive exercise environment for people living with disabilities and long-term health conditions. For some people, pools provide the only viable option for being active. Public swimming pools are unique, yet despite their huge value to society, many are under threat due to high operating costs and escalating maintenance demands. Faced with such challenges, closing the doors can sometimes seem like the only option. But there is another way. Over the past 25 years, Alliance Leisure has partnered with numerous local authorities and leisure operators to transform struggling pools into thriving community assets. We know that – with the right combination of investment, design and marketing – we can revitalise public sector pools, ushering in a new generation of modern, fit-for-purpose and above all commercially viable pool spaces that meet the health, wellbeing and leisure needs of their local communities. Examples range from transforming dated 33m swimming pools into separate learner and competition-standard pools to maximise provision and revenue, to giving outdoor lidos a new lease of life and creating destination waterparks that drive regeneration and boost local economies. These are modern, bright and welcoming pools with intelligent and sustainable design, informed by extensive consultation with the local community and supported by results-driven marketing activities – provided by TA6, our in-house agency – to drive footfall and income. Challenges will remain for public swimming pools, particularly around costs and efficiencies. But as we increasingly align with health and wellbeing, we must continue to invest in and champion these precious community facilities. As the UK’s leading leisure development specialist, we are passionate about innovation. Over the last 25 years, we have shown how innovation, expertise and strategic investment can transform ailing pools – once a drain on resources – into flourishing facilities that realise their full potential, meet current and future health and wellbeing needs and contribute to broader social value. With decades of experience working in public leisure, I’ve witnessed first-hand the profound impact of swimming pools on communities. I believe it is our duty to protect these indispensable public assets for generations to come.
Faced with such challenges, closing the doors can sometimes seem like the only option. But there is another way.
PAUL CLUETT Managing director, Alliance Leisure
9
STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2023
9
STATE OF THE UK SWIMMING INDUSTRY REPORT 2024
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting