Bury Council – Swimming study and feasibility

Bury Council commissioned SLC in October 2023 to undertake a swimming pool sufficiency study to ascertain the required minimum level of statutory swimming pool provision in Bury.

The Council had developed a new wellness strategy in 2023 which included a defined swimming strategy that seeked to provide all Key Stage 2 students with access to basic swimming proficiency and water safety training.

SLC began by completing a bespoke current needs and demand analysis to determine whether there was sufficient pool water space for school swimming lessons and learn to swim programmes in Bury. This was informed by a Sport England facilities planning model assessment and supported by a swimming lessons latent demand analysis conducted by Swim England. The latent demand analysis sought to identify whether the new Radcliffe Civic Hub, scheduled to open in 2025 and Bury’s other existing facilities would meet the needs of Bury residents in relation to public learn to swim lessons.

SLC identified that the existing and planned water space would not be able to meet the total future demand for statutory Key Stage 2 school swimming lessons in Bury. It was recommended that the Council develop their swimming provision by replacing older facilities and including a 25m, 6-lane swimming pool in its facility mix. This would see the Council meet current and future projected demand.

Walker Simpson Architects developed concept designs for the proposed facility including layout drawings and site plans for the facility mix. Estimated budget costs for the proposed facility were also developed.

The outcome of this work provided Bury Council with a clear vision to meet current and future demand for statutory Key Stage 2 school swimming lessons and an ability to deliver upon its swimming strategy.  The Council is now considering its options and a way forward linked to wider masterplanning and regeneration opportunities within Bury.

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