Last-remaining swimming pool in line for overhaul to cut running costs
A council’s last-remaining swimming pool is earmarked for upgrades which would cut running costs. And sport pitches nearby are set for new energy-efficient floodlights, if a planning application is approved.
Rossendale Council has unveiled the the plan for Marl Pits Pool and Leisure Centre in Rawtenstall. Previously, the council also ran a pool at Whitworth Leisure Centre. But that was transferred to a community group in late 2023 after a campaign to prevent it being closed.
Maintenance, repairs and running costs for pools and leisure centres have brought challenges for many cash-strapped councils in recent years. Rising energy costs and the age of some buildings or equipment have been key factors. Rossendale Council’s leisure facilities are run by Rossendale Leisure Trust.
At Marl Pits, the new planning application is for the installation of six heat pumps, a plant room created from two adapted shipping containers, a new electrical substation and a temporary access path. It also includes the replacement of bulbs in floodlights for the Marl Pits playing pitches and car park, with more energy efficient fittings.
No objections have been received. according to planning reports.
Some work has already been done at the leisure centre to make it more efficient and cleaner. A report for councillors states: “The proposed air source heat pumps will further-reduce dependence on the gas boiler, significantly lowering overall gas consumption.
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“The site also benefits from renewable electricity generated by the rooftop solar panels, making the system even more carbon efficient. This is in addition to the recently-installed new air handling unit with a heat recovery system, which redistributes heat taken from the extracted, used air.”
Planning officers are recommending councillors to approve the Marl Pits application. In planning terms, they say it fits with the council’s climate change strategy and will significantly reducem overall energy consumption.
Marl Pits is seen as a key public amenity in Rossendale. Other council-owned leisure sites include Adrenaline at Haslingden, Pioneer gym at Bacup, The Hill ski slope and the Whitaker Museum.
In 2023, the transfer of Whitworth Leisure Centre and its pool to a community group came after Rossendale Council announced plans to close it following an independent financial report. But campaigners said the Whitworth pool was used by young and old, including schools, and local pools were vital for health and social reasons.