The future of Burnham-On-Sea’s swimming pool is looking brighter after it was confirmed this week that four companies are still in the running to operate a pool in the town.
Nigel Roderick, Head of Leisure at Sedgemoor District Council, told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Friday that four “significant companies” who run pools for other local authorities have expressed an interest in operating a swimming facility.
“We do have companies in the private sector who have shown an interest so the future of a pool in Burnham is still looking hopeful,” he said.
“I am currently compiling a report outlining the various options to members of the council and hope that if they give the go-ahead, we can start a full tender process and choose a company to take on the pool by the autumn or winter of this year.”
He added that a number of options are being considered, including constructing a new pool on the existing site and rebuilding elsewhere in Burnham.
“There are various issues to be considered – not just location, but other factors such as whether it will be a four or six lane pool, whether it will have a sauna and steam room facilities, and what the pricing policy will be.”
“There’s a lot to sort out, but the fact that we have four companies who have expressed an interest shows that progress is being made.”
Nine companies initially expressed an interest in running the pool – as reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com last year – and that number has been narrowed down to four.
The future of the 33-year-old pool has been hanging in the balance for the last two years. Extensive maintenance work is needed to bring the facilities up to modern standards and if a new owner cannot be found, Sedgemoor District Council has already said that the building could be rebuilt or the site sold off.
RELATED LINKS:
101-year-old swimmer joins campaign to keep pool open
Burnham Swimming Pool receives top leisure award
New owner sought for Burnham Swimming Pool
Swimming pool future hangs in the balance
Swimming pool celebrates 30th anniversary
