The Ilkley community is rallying together to save the iconic Ilkley Pool & Lido from closure by Bradford Council. The formation of the Ilkley Lido & Pool Community Ownership group aims to explore sustainability strategies, garner public input, and raise funds to ensure the venue’s future for generations to come.
What is the Ilkley community doing to save the Ilkley Pool & Lido from closure?
The Ilkley community has formed the Ilkley Lido & Pool Community Ownership group to prevent the closure of the Ilkley Pool & Lido by Bradford Council. They’re exploring sustainability strategies, such as installing solar panels, revamping facilities, and optimizing operations. They aim for community ownership, seeking public input and fundraising to ensure the venue’s future.
A Community’s Stand Against Closure
The iconic Ilkley Pool & Lido, a bastion of community spirit and historical significance, may soon fall silent unless proactive measures are taken. Bradford Council has placed this cherished site on a list of potential closures. This comes as a response to budgetary constraints that loom over the region’s aquatic facilities. The council’s prospective decision is to be made in September 2024, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the future of a venue that has been a hub of activity since its inception in 1935.
The potential closure of the Ilkley Pool & Lido would leave a void in Yorkshire’s cultural and recreational landscape. Not only does it serve as a local leisure facility, but it also stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and commitment to preserving its heritage. The local populace recognizes the Lido not just as a swimming pool, but as an emblem of shared experiences and memories that span generations.
In the face of this daunting challenge, the Ilkley community has united with vigor and purpose. Spearheading this movement is the Ilkley Lido & Pool Community Ownership group, seeking to safeguard the site’s legacy. The group’s inception this year marks a pivotal moment in the quest for community ownership, which presents a viable alternative to ensure the Lido’s continuity. The campaign is driven by the fervent dedication of individuals like Becky Malby and various local organization members who are determined to change the facility’s fate.
Strategies for Sustainability
The community group has conducted two public meetings, addressing the pressing issue of the venue’s financial viability. The annual operating loss of £280,000 hangs heavily over the facility. To tackle this, the group is exploring a multifaceted approach. “There’s a strong need for long-term strategies, such as the installation of solar panels and revamping the changing rooms,” Becky Malby points out. “But our immediate focus is on bridging the funding gap.”
The aim is to elevate usage while simultaneously curbing expenses and generating additional funds. The group’s initiatives are multifarious, encompassing the refinement of operational aspects to community engagement. Short-term goals include optimizing the existing framework, while long-term objectives revolve around comprehensive renovations that promise a sustainable future for the Lido.
The pursuit of community ownership is not a solitary endeavor. The group seeks the input of the wider Ilkley population through surveys, aiming to understand public sentiment and usage patterns of the pool and lido. This outreach is critically important, serving as a barometer for community support and ensuring that the group’s actions resonate with the needs and desires of Ilkley’s residents.
Celebrity Endorsement and Future Plans
The campaign has garnered support far and wide, including from notable figures such as Olympian Alistair Brownlee. His maiden triathlon took place at the very pool and lido he now advocates for, adding a personal dimension to his endorsement. His mother, Cath Brownlee, is an active member of the community group, further solidifying the initiative’s credibility.
The group has engaged in dialogue with other UK pools and lidos to distill best practices and innovative ideas. Proposals under consideration include revamping the on-site cafe to be both profitable and welcoming, revising the timetable to better serve Ilkley residents, and implementing measures to reduce energy costs. Adding to the mix are fresh classes and events designed to attract new visitors, along with collaborations with local sports clubs to expand activity offerings.
While the community awaits Bradford Council’s final verdict, the Ilkley Pool & Lido Community Ownership group is proactive. They’re focused on the practical steps that resonate with the local populace’s desires. These efforts are not just about keeping the doors open; they’re about breathing new life into the Lido, ensuring its viability for the next 90 years.
For additional information or to support the initiative, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Ilkley Pool & Lido Community Ownership. This group embodies the principle that when a community stands united, it holds the power to shape its destiny and preserve its cherished institutions for future generations.
Ilkley Pool & Lido Community Ownership
- The Ilkley community has formed the Ilkley Lido & Pool Community Ownership group to prevent the closure of the iconic Ilkley Pool & Lido by Bradford Council.
- The potential closure of the Ilkley Pool & Lido would leave a void in Yorkshire’s cultural and recreational landscape, impacting the community’s heritage and shared experiences.
- The Ilkley community is exploring sustainability strategies such as installing solar panels and revamping facilities to ensure the venue’s future.
- The group seeks public input and fundraising to ensure the continuity of the Ilkley Pool & Lido, with the aim of community ownership.
- The campaign has received celebrity endorsement, engaged in dialogue with other UK pools, and is focused on practical steps to ensure the Lido’s viability for the next 90 years.