Plans for community pool at Withdean move forward
Councillors have approved proposals for a new community swimming pool at Withdean Sports Complex, and building work could start early next year.
The new 5-lane, 25m community pool, with changing village, toilets and other facilities, will be the first new publicly funded swimming pool built in the city in decades.
Plans for the new facility were drawn up following a city-wide consultation and discussions with local swimming clubs, community organisations, a local primary school, our Healthy Lifestyles Team, Freedom Leisure and the national governing body Swim England.
Hundreds of residents shared their views
More than 200 people attended drop-in events at Withdean Sports Complex and Westdene Library and a 4-week online survey on our Your Voice platform attracted 942 responses.
Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries, said: “I’m delighted that plans for this much-needed new swimming pool at Withdean are moving forward and that work could start early next year.
“I’d like to thank all those who took part in the consultation, attended our discussion groups and helped us to create a design that is accessible, sustainable and meets the needs of our local communities.”
Vital children have opportunities to swim
Councillor Robins added: “Swimming remains the most popular activity for our residents and, as a coastal city, it’s vital that we do everything we can to ensure that our children and young people have the opportunity to learn to swim at an affordable price.”
The new swimming pool has been designed to reduce environmental impact, support local biodiversity and create a healthy, energy-efficient building for future generations.
Sustainability features include:
- new planting and wildlife-friendly landscaping
- roof-mounted solar panels
- using sustainable materials
- high levels of insulation
- low-energy (LED) lighting systems
- water-saving technologies in showers, taps and toilets
Accessible and inclusive facility
The pool will also be fully accessible and inclusive, enabling more people to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of swimming. The design includes:
- ramped and stair access
- a pool pod lift and walk-in steps
- accessible toilets and showers (including a hoist)
- wheelchair accessible changing cubicle
- changing village and toilets with individual, accessible and family-size cubicles
- designated wheelchair spaces in the spectator area
The £6.8 million project will be funded from a combination of section 106 developer contributions and capital borrowing.
Earlier this year, ReCreation was appointed to lead a professional team to develop designs for the proposed new community swimming pool. The company has an excellent track record as the leading provider of above-ground pools.
Meeting huge demand
Plans for the new community swimming pool have been developed in response to our Sports Facilities Investment Plan (SFIP) in a bid to meet the huge demand for additional and more modern swimming facilities in the city.
A full planning application will be submitted shortly and, if approved, work could start early in 2026 and completed by Spring 2027.