Two dedicated community groups in Minehead have joined forces to revive the dream of a new public swimming pool, aiming to restore an essential recreational amenity lost since 2008. The town has lacked a publicly operated pool ever since the closure of the Aquasplash facility on Seaward Way, forcing residents to rely on a small community-run pool at St. Michael’s Church of England First School or pay for access to Butlin’s private facilities.
Earlier plans to build a pool on Seaward Way stalled when Somerset Council announced in October 2023 that it would not proceed with previous proposals. Undeterred, Minehead Health and Well-Being (MH&WB) and Minehead Swimming and Leisure (MSL) have now partnered to pursue a new development on Minehead’s existing recreation ground off Irnham Road. Their vision includes a 25-metre pool designed for year-round use, accompanied by a fully equipped gym to serve the community’s health and fitness needs.
Bruce Lang of MH&WB highlights the strong expertise brought by the two groups, spanning project development, finance, public health, and community engagement. This partnership hopes to deliver a facility that benefits all residents of Minehead and the wider West Somerset area. Beyond recreational swimming and lessons, the pool will serve as a hub for the West Somerset GP exercise referral scheme, expanding a popular health initiative.
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Funding for the project will be sought through various grant opportunities, with plans to operate the facility as a community-owned cooperative rather than under existing commercial leisure contractors. The groups have asked Minehead Town Council to formalize its support and allocate part of the Irnham Road recreation ground for development.
Peter Wellstood, founding director of MSL, emphasizes the synergy between the groups: “Our shared ambitions and combined experience give us the best chance to make this project a reality, with the facility remaining community-owned as originally envisioned.”
Somerset Council retains ownership of the Seaward Way land and continues to support in principle the creation of a new pool in Minehead, although it currently lacks funding to contribute. The council has expressed openness to working with the community groups and Minehead Town Council to develop the project at Irnham Road or an alternative location.
The Minehead pool project team will soon conduct a community consultation to shape the business plan and accurately project future usage and revenue. Residents can learn more or show support by visiting www.mineheadswim.org/join.