Okehampton Leisure Centre secures vital funding

Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton, has been granted a sum of £38,500 from the Swimming Pool Support Fund. 

This allocation forms part of the £60.5 million Phase Two initiative aimed at enhancing the long-term sustainability of leisure facilities across England, particularly by bolstering their energy efficiency.

The funding for Parklands, which is owned by West Devon Borough Council, will pay for pool covers and a variable speed filtration system.

The works at the centre will make it more resilient for the years ahead, ensuring this important community pool will continue to improve community wellbeing and serve the people of West Devon for years to come.

Expressing his satisfaction with the development, Cllr Tony Leech, West Devon’s Lead Hub Member for Leisure, Health, and Wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure this funding for Parklands Leisure Centre. Rising energy costs have hit leisure facilities especially hard in recent times, and this funding will help ensure the future of this vitally important community facility for the town of Okehampton and the wider area.”

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Millions of people swim every year in England, but high energy costs mean some pools are struggling financially.”

This latest injection of funds forms part of a broader capital investment program, encompassing over 500 interventions in more than 300 facilities with swimming pools across the nation. 

Measures range from the installation of photo-voltaic cells and LED lights to the adoption of pool covers, all aimed at optimising energy efficiency over the medium to long term.

A total of 264 local authorities have received allocations from the funding pool, with Sport England contributing £20 million via the National Lottery, complemented by just over £40 million from the Government.