A new community swimming pool at Oaklands

It has been agreed that a new community swimming pool will be built to replace Edmund Wilson Swimming Pool and will be added to the existing sports centre at Oaklands.  The extension will incorporate a 6 lane 25 metre pool with a teaching pool, a changing village including disabled facilities, pool viewing area and crèche. It will be integrated with the existing facilities sharing reception, bar and refreshment areas and the gym will receive a complete face lift and doubled in size.  A new hydrotherapy pool will also be included to provide an important service to residents who require water based therapy.  It is expected that the project will be completed and open to the public in autumn 2009.

A new competition swimming pool with the University

The council is supporting the University’s plans for a competition standard pool and fitness facility at Heslington which is likely to cost approximately £10 million. City of York Council will contribute £2 million and therefore it has been agreed that the pool will

• Be open to everyone
• Provide facilities for a range of abilities and actively encourage participation by all members of the comunity
• Be accessible to people with disabilities
• Be of high quality design
• Have a flexible charging and admissions policy to encourage participation

It is anticipated that the pool should be completed in 2011.

Investigate a possible city centre swimming pool 

The council has also committed to pursue a city centre pool in the longer term. The first steps will be to identify a suitable site, potential partners and funding.

Recent investment in the facilities

Yearsley Pool

In October 2007 we completed a £1million project to transform Yearsley Swimming Pool.  Improvements included a new roof, new plant room equipment and new tiling.  Changes were also made to the reception, changing rooms and disabled parking area.  Yearsley is now a much more energy efficient building offering an improved swimming experience to customers.

If you would like any further information please contact Sport and Active Leisure.