Ilkley Lido: Community group launch bid to take over running of Yorkshire outdoor pool after its future is put under threat

Ilkley Lido & Pool Community Ownership last attempted to secure a transfer of the site to them in 2011, but have this week relaunched their bid after the council published proposals to review leisure centre provision in order to balance its budget.

The authority faces considerable financial pressures, with documents available online stating that around half of its expenditure now goes towards children’s social care requirements. Although no specific closures of sports facilities have been announced, all are under review and council officers have proposed introducing charges for the Lido’s car park.

Representatives from the pool’s Friends group and local sports clubs including Ilkley Harriers and Ilkley Swimming Club will hold a public meeting on February 2 to present more information about their vision for how the site could be managed.

Ilkley Lido was built in the 1930s in Art Deco style, with an indoor pool building added later. The grounds have a cafe, tennis courts and putting green. It is Grade II-listed.

The group has claimed that the open air pool suffers viability issues because of restricted opening hours – it closes during winter – a lack of staffing and support for special events.

A statement published on their website read: “We understand that Bradford Council needs to make significant savings if it is to set a legal budget (avoid bankruptcy in lay terms). Bradford Council provided a series of budget options at the council meeting on the January 11, which in relation to the pool and Lido are limited to instigating car parking fees.

"We also understand that a review of non-statutory services is currently being undertaken in addition to the budget proposals provided at the meeting on the 11 January, with a consultation on the findings to take place in the spring. Bradford Council’s leisure services, including the Ilkley Pool and Lido are now under further review and staff have been notified.

"The future of the pool and Lido are under threat. A group of committed Ilkley residents are developing proposals to secure the long-term future of the site and facilities through community ownership of the pool, Lido and grounds.

"We believe the pool and Lido are key to the health, and prosperity of the town’s residents and businesses. Tourism is vital to Ilkley being a thriving town and the Lido is a national draw. As an asset the Lido future is completely intertwined with the future of the town. The swimming pool is vital for our wellbeing, for public safety and for accessibility.

"The pool and Lido have been registered an Asset of Community Value, and listed in the neighbourhood plan which would make a sale difficult.

"The aim is to have a viable proposition to present to Bradford Council as a response to its review. The proposal is of course dependent on a full understanding of the financial feasibility, and of the potential capital and revenue funding sources.

"This proposal is a proactive move by the community of Ilkley to develop a sustainable future for the pool and Lido. The proposal would have three possible stages with a real vision for a thriving community asset:-

"Short term running of the pool and Lido in a way that generates a sustainable community asset, making the most of what is there now – this may need a transitionary model to ensure viability.

"Short to medium term establishing partnerships and collaborating to secure a vision for a thriving centre for sport and the community at the pool and Lido.