Funding secured for Marl Pits swimming pool
Rossendale Borough Council (RBC) have been successful in securing £290k of funding from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF). The funding, which will pay for a new air handling unit and pool covers at Marl Pits Swimming Pool will help reduce the Leisure Centre’s energy consumption and utility costs.
The funding provides much needed investment into Marl Pits, which was built in 1974. The air handling unit and pool covers were in need of replacement and without this funding, this would not have been possible. The air handling unit will improve the regulation of temperature in the pool hall and help enhance the overall user experience. Alongside the pool covers, both items will make a significant contribution to reducing energy consumption and support the medium-term sustainability of the pool underlining Rossendale Borough Council’s commitment to fostering environmentally responsible practices.
Rossendale Leisure Trust (RLT), a not-for-profit organisation, manage Marl Pits Leisure Centre on behalf of the council. This is the second pot of funding successfully secured by RLT on behalf of RBC for Marl Pits. In autumn 2023, £60k+ was awarded to the pool to help with the high utility costs.
RLT's Chief Executive, Sam Sandiford, expressed the importance of this latest investment, stating: "The significance of this investment into the pool at Marl Pits cannot be underestimated. Like so many pools around the country, Marl Pits is an old pool and is in need of investment to secure its future sustainability. This funding will not only help reduce our energy costs; it will also help us reduce our energy consumption, a key priority for both the Trust and the Council."
Rob Huntington Chief Executive from Rossendale Borough Council, added, "We are thrilled to see this funding come through for Marl Pits swimming pool. The improvements needed were essential and we would not have been in a position to fund them without this investment. As a council we’re committed to helping to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and we understand the importance that the pool at Marl Pits plays in this. These improvements will ensure the pool will remain accessible and enjoyable for residents for years to come."