Multi-million pound scheme to build new Fakenham swimming pool is confirmed
Millions of pounds in funding to bring a swimming pool back to town has been confirmed.
North Norfolk District Council has confirmed that the £11million Fakenham Sports and Leisure Hub project will definitely go ahead.
The funding was initially granted by the previous Government under the Levelling Up scheme - but since Labour won at the general election, there has been an anxious wait to see whether it would still be available.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has now said that work on the project can proceed after funding was given the green light in last Wednesday’s Budget.
The district council has been granted £9.875million to build new facilities at Fakenham Sports Centre, including a 25-metre public swimming pool and improved outdoor sports facilities.
Funding will enable the authority to develop a full size 3G all-weather artificial grass pitch for competitive sports and outdoor sports changing facilities on the Trap Lane sports ground owned by Fakenham Town Council.
The current facilities, owned by the district council and operated by leisure partners Everyone Active, currently feature a sports hall, fitness suite, multi-use area, dance studio, changing rooms and reception area.
Alongside the new leisure offerings, an allocation of £1million has been made for carbon reduction measures to the existing Trap Lane facility.
Angela Glynn, the Fakenham mayor, told the Lynn News: “We are surprised, but very very pleased.
“We thought that because it had gone so quiet for a long time that it might not happen.
“The community has wanted the replacement of a swimming pool for 15 years. It is a great relief to get it over the line.
“These are very exciting times. I hope lots of sports shops come and open up in the town.”
Cllr Tim Adams, leader of North Norfolk District Council, said: "We're very pleased to receive the confirmation of the Levelling Up funding for the Fakenham Sports and Leisure Centre.
“I am grateful for the dedication of our staff in pulling this project and proposal together and to Fakenham Town Council for their assistance in reaching this monumental outcome for the town's leisure offering.
“I would also like to thank Jerome Mayhew, the Member of Parliament for Fakenham and Broadland for his support in this also.
“This is going to be so important for the future of Fakenham as a growing town - I believe that this facility will put it on the map as a local destination for activity, and I know lots of surrounding villages will use it.
“As Fakenham grows and develops over the coming years, we know how important sports and leisure is going to be as the town expands."
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government added: “We are pleased to have supported the Fakenham Sports and Leisure Centre and look forward to seeing the difference the facility will make to the local community and surrounding areas in the years ahead.”
