Fylde Council issues major update on closed St Annes and Kirkham swimming pools

Bosses at Fylde Council have issued an update on the closed public swimming pools in St Annes and Kirkham.

Council bosses made the decision to close St Annes swimming pool ‘for the foreseeable’ while multi-million pound works are carried out to improve it.

When Places Leisure took over from the YMCA as an agent for Fylde Council in April, the decision was taken at this time to close the St Annes centre to allow essential maintenance work to take place.

Due to the age and condition of the building, investment and repair works had always been anticipated. However, as detailed surveys and investigations were undertaken to inform the planned programme of works, additional structural issues requiring immediate remediation were identified.

As a result, Fylde Council bosses said the advice from specialist contractors had been clear: attempting to reopen the building with short-term fixes could cause further issues, prove costly, and lead to repeated partial or full closures.

The most efficient and cost-effective way to deliver the modern leisure facility our community expects and deserves is to move directly into the full refurbishment programme.

In Kirkham, the council is investing £3million alongside its leisure partner to fully restore the historic building, which has remained closed since December 2021.

The baths were forced to shut after vital roof works were identified, prompting the closure of the facility while plans for its long-term future were developed. It is expected that the main construction phase will start next year, with the aim of opening the new facility to the public in 2028.

The restoration project forms part of a wider £9.3 million investment in swimming facilities at Kirkham Baths and St Annes Pool.

Earlier this year, the scheme reached a significant milestone after a provisional reopening date for Kirkham Baths was announced, bringing the long-awaited return of the facility a step closer.

Issuing an update on the works, a Fylde Council spokesman said they have started the process of choosing a principal contractor.

He said: “It has been some time since we last shared progress on St Annes and Kirkham pools, and we understand residents are keen for news.

“Pozzoni architects are part of the design team and using their expertise in the Leisure Industry, design work is progressing in the background, with further intrusive surveys being undertaken on both pools. We want to get this right, and time is needed to ensure the design work meets statutory compliance requirements and additionally is fully costed and worked through before it is shared more widely.

“A full business case is expected to be available in November 2026, which will validate the project budget and provide further certainty over the delivery programme, including the procurement route. To speed things up, we've now started the process of choosing a Principal Contractor.

“We appreciate your patience while this stage of the work is completed, and we will provide more frequent updates as both designs develop.”

Bosses said this is a once in a generation investment that will transform the site into a modern, high-quality leisure destination in St Annes, including: A fully modernised pool environment designed for accessibility, sustainability and long-term community use; A state-of-the-art first floor gym overlooking the sea, offering a bright, modern fitness space; A contemporary studio for classes and group activities; Spa facilities and an exciting indoor splash pad for families; Modern new changing facilities, including improved accessible provision and a welcoming café and vending area.

Since the Government announced that Fylde Council will become part of a new authority Fylde Coast Council in 2028 covering Fylde, Wyre and Blackpool many residents have raised concerns about what this means for local investment.

By pressing ahead with the full refurbishment now, Fylde Council said they have secured the project while decisions remain in local hands – reducing the risk of delay, maintaining momentum and protecting a valued community asset.

Dan Walker, Business Development Director at Places Leisure, said: “We remain committed to providing high-quality leisure facilities that are welcoming and accessible to everyone in the local community.

“Working in partnership with Fylde Council, we will ensure that the investment works at St Annes Swimming Pool & Gym are delivered efficiently and effectively.

“We are optimistic about the future and the positive impact these improvements will bring.”

Fylde Council will continue to work closely with Places Leisure to finalise the programme and will keep residents updated with insights and sneak previews as work progresses of the superb facilities.

Work on Kirkham Baths is not affected by the St Annes project as the two refurbishments are running concurrently.

For the latest updates on both projects, visit www.fylde.gov.uk/swimming.