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Haltwhistle Swimming Pool to Receive £1.1 Million Upgrade
Haltwhistle Swimming Pool in Northumberland is set for significant improvements following the approval of plans for a £1.1 million upgrade. The facility, which has been attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year, faces escalating maintenance costs due to outdated equipment, some of which originates from the pool’s opening in the 1970s.
The plans were presented to Northumberland County Council’s cabinet on Tuesday. The council’s deputy leader, Councillor Richard Wearmouth, highlighted the critical condition of the plant room, describing it as “significantly out of date and coming to the end of its life.” He noted that this investment would provide essential equipment expected to last for the next 30 to 40 years, securing the future of the pool as a vital resource for the Haltwhistle community.
A council report indicated that without this intervention, there is an increasing risk of equipment failure, potential service disruptions, reduced operational capacity, and higher maintenance costs.
Councillor Nick Oliver, who represents the Corbridge ward, which is part of the Tynedale area alongside Haltwhistle, reflected on his family experiences at the pool, emphasising its significance as a cherished venue in the community. He stated, “There’s a huge interest in open air swimming and this is the only facility in Northumberland to offer it, and it’s really, really good.”
The upgrade work is scheduled to commence by the end of this year, with an anticipated completion date in Spring 2027. The funding will be sourced from the town’s £3 million Borderlands Town Deal allocation. Other regeneration projects within the Borderlands framework are also moving forward in Haltwhistle, promoting collaborative efforts towards enhancing the town’s facilities.
Haltwhistle is among seven towns included in the Northumberland Borderlands Place Programme, a ten-year investment initiative valued at £21 million, aimed at regenerating town centres across the county, with each town receiving up to £3 million for development projects.
