Sudbury pool closure prompts funding strategy review

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 16:20 · Archive

Sudbury's Kingfisher Leisure Centre pool shut in September due to safety concerns, prompting the council to explore funding options to reopen it.

The Kingfisher Leisure Centre pool in Sudbury, Suffolk, shut indefinitely in September after structural surveys revealed it needed a complete rebuild rather than the £875,000 in repairs originally planned. The 39-year-old facility has been closed due to public safety concerns.

Barbergh District Council commissioned Alliance Leisure last year to explore long-term options, which recommended either a major refurbishment costing an estimated £17.75m or a brand-new leisure centre at £28.2m. The latter would include a 25-metre pool, learner pool, fitness areas, soft play, and a café. The council said it has already spent about £400,000 since 2024–25 trying to keep the pool operational and has allocated £1.7m in its capital programme through to 2031, but this covers little of the rebuild cost.

Laura Smith, cabinet member for thriving communities, said: 'It simply isn't possible for most local councils to save enough money to build a new leisure centre.' The council will meet on 10 November to discuss possible options and revised funding strategies, with the report being updated to reflect the new structural information from September.

How it is being reported

• Future of 'unsafe' swimming pool hangs in the balance after sudden closureBabergh District Council updates plans for Sudbury swimming facilities after the Kingfisher Leisure Centre pool closed over safety concerns, with costs under review.East Anglian Daily Times · 3 Nov, 15:48
• Funding options to be explored to reopen town poolThe Kingfisher Leisure Centre pool has been shut since September due to public safety concerns.BBC Suffolk · 3 Nov, 14:45

In this story: Kingfisher Leisure Centre · Sudbury · Babergh District Council · Laura Smith · Alliance Leisure

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log