News / Jubilee Pool
South Bristol swimming pool saved from permanent closure – again
Jubilee Pool has been saved from the threat of permanent closure for the third time, but work to secure its long-term future is still ongoing.
The popular Knowle site is set to reopen its doors once lockdown restrictions have been lifted after Bristol City Council and operators Parkwood agreed a deal that will keep it running until the end of the existing contract in March 2022.
The swimming pool has been closed since March 2020, when the first lockdown came into play, and the council launched a consultation on plans for its permanent closure, citing the increasing running costs and added strain of implementing Covid-19 measures.
is needed now More than ever
Residents once again mounted a campaign to oppose the proposed closure and the strength of feeling in the community has helped secure the immediate future of the pool.
A working group of 15 councillors was formed to determine the best way forward and options to secure its long-term future are likely to include a community asset transfer of the building.
In December, it was revealed a deal was close to being agreed in the short-term and The Save Jubilee Pool campaign group tentatively celebrated news of the reopening. Bristol City Council confirmed on Monday it will definitely reopen once government guidelines allow.
A campaign was mounted to save the pool in 2017 and 2013 – photo taken from Jubilee Pool campaign group petition page
Gary Hopkins, a Lib Dem councillor for Knowle, has been at the forefront of the campaign to keep the pool open and is a member of the working group tasked with securing its long-term future. He welcomed the confirmation of a deal to ensure Jubilee can reopen when lockdown is over.
“It’s been a battle but the community have fought it well,” Hopkins told Bristol24/7, revealing that while a community asset transfer is the likely way forward, there are other options are on the table, including the possibility of offering hydrotherapy at the site as well as public swimming.
Pointing out this is the third time the community has had to fight to keep the pool open, he added: “One of the reasons a transfer is being looked at is to save the pool from another closure threat.”
The long-term future of Jubilee Pool could be secured through a community asset transfer – photo courtesy of Bristol City Council
Bristol24/7 understands the council will pay Parkwood a “nominal amount” to run Jubilee, equivalent to the cost of keeping the building safe while closed, but the exact amount has not been revealed.
Announcing the intention to reopen the swimming pool on Monday, mayor Marvin Rees said: “It is clear that members of the local community feel strongly that Jubilee Pool should be kept open, so we have done all we can to reach an agreement with the operator so it can reopen after lockdown.
“With the immediate future of Jubilee Pool now secured, work must continue to make it financially sustainable in the long term. The future of the pool is dependent on finding a community-led solution, such as community asset transfer.
“Local people are without doubt best placed to increase the visitor numbers that the pool needs to sustain its future, as proven by the success of other community groups in Bristol.”
The good news for Knowle comes amid many closures of swimming pools around the country, with more than 200 not expected to reopen after restrictions are lifted, according to Bristol City Council.
Main photo courtesy of CB Bristol Design 2020
Read more: ‘It’s time to support the community to save Jubilee Pool’
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