Fakenham to get new swimming pool after £11m scheme approved

A new swimming pool is on its way in Fakenham after councillors agreed plans for the £11million project.

Fakenham’s sports and fitness centre expansion at Trap Lane will now progress after North Norfolk District Council’s development committee unanimously approved the scheme yesterday.

As well as a 25m pool, other elements of the project include refurbished exercise studios, a 55-station fitness suite and new changing areas.

It is made possible thanks to Government funding, confirmed last year by Labour, having been first proposed by the former Conservative administration.

The approval of the plans will mean people living in Fakenham will again be able to swim in the town after the previous pool closed in 2014.

At a meeting this week, Cllr Christopher Cushing said: “News that Fakenham will get a new pool has been received enthusiastically by the majority of the town.

“It is the best form of exercise.”

During the debate, Cllr Angie Fitch-Tillett, also praised the project, highlighting that Norfolk had some of the highest rates of drownings last year in the country.

She said: “We have more water than anywhere else. It is absolutely vital that people learn to swim.”

The eco-friendly elements of the project were also praised by Cllr Adam Varley.

“It is fantastic to see what we are doing with our future estates,” he said.

While there has been a huge amount of support for the pool, Fakenham’s town brass band has previously complained about the project.

The pavilion, where the band used to rehearse, will be demolished to make way for the project, which upset some members.

Sports England also raised concerns that a cricket pitch will be lost through the development.

But ultimately, councillors voted unanimously for the plans to go ahead.

A 3G pitch will also be developed and will be able to offer an all-weather outdoor sports facility, but this is subject to a separate application.