A Strategic Review of swimming pool provision for the Reading Unitary Authority

Transcription

1 A Strategic Review of swimming pool provision for the Reading Unitary Authority Headline Conclusions 1. Reading UA should build one Leisure Village at Rivermead including: 2. 50m x 16.5m (8-lane swimming pool) with a constant depth of 2m and with vertical bulkhead and one moveable floor, suitable for community and competitive swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming m x 20m swimming pool with a moveable floor and diving platform configuration of 10m, 7m, 5m, 3m & 1m; suitable for diving, fitness swimming and learn to swim/learner pool. 4. Dry-dive area. 5. Leisure Pool 6. Additional dry side facilities including fitness suite and exercise studios. Introduction Reading UA has considered various strategic options for the provision of community swimming pool facilities over the past five years, at least. Owing to the considerable financial operational deficit of managing and maintaining their original swimming pool stock the majority of their community swimming pools have been closed prior to replacement although a temporary swimming pool has been provided to mitigate the loss of key provision until replacements are finalised. Reading UA have indicated that their replacement model will be: Providing two swimming pools facilities, one of which will provide a competition swimming pool of a district standard and some diving facilities. Previous Strategy Reviews There were four previous strategy reviews of the Reading UA sports provision that Swim England are aware of. (1) Reading District Review produced by the Amateur Swimming Association/Swim England March 2013

2 (2) Leisure Facilities Strategy Final Report produced by Strategic Leisure August 2013 (3) Options appraisal and feasibility study for the development of leisure centres across the borough produced by the Sports Consultancy August (4) An alternative configuration concept for Reading Swimming Pool produced by Swim England November 2017 It is not intended to revisit these reviews in detail but it is relevant to identify their headline conclusions from each review: (1) Reading District Review produced by the Amateur Swimming Association/Swim England March 2013 This review was initially produced by the Amateur Swimming Association, now Swim England to identify the existing stock in 2013 and evaluate its effectiveness using the Sport England Facility Planning Model and finally to suggest solutions for Reading s swimming pool provision. The Options Appraisals were: C1. Options The council has identified five options for the long term provision of the swimming pool stock across the district. This section looks at the considerations and what implications there are for satisfying levels of provision and the capital expenditure implications associated with the options identified. In addition to this Reading Borough Council have undertaken some analysis work identifying where the users of the pools come from, and a vast majority are from within the district showing that there is actually very little importing of swimmers from neighbouring districts. The neighbouring districts of Wokingham and South Oxfordshire are considering leisure stock replacement and modernisations. Wokingham have a large population growth point areas in three locations across the district with a total of 10,500 people increase expected over the next 15 years. The nearest Strategic Development Location (SDL) to Reading is to the South East of Wokingham district around the villages of Shinfield, Spencer s Wood and Three Mile Cross with a proposal of 1,795 new dwellings, two primary schools and a community centre. There is an existing leisure centre at Loddon Valley but the capacity is limited at this site and will not cater for the increased demand. There are three schools swimming pools (Southcote School, St Joseph s Convent and the Reading School) that are very old and whilst the condition is unknown the age alone is a cause for concern over the longevity of the pool life. If these pools were to close over the next 10 years a total loss of water space would be 441.5m². Thus having an impact on the level of swimming provision by reducing the perceived surplus to 314.5m². Option 1- Close Meadway, replace the dry provision with a new Sports Hall at Central Pools with some investment into the pools, Close Arthur Hill site and put a new pool (25m 8 lane with learner pool) at Palmer Park. The implications for the water provision as a result of this consideration is:

3 Current Level of Provision Proposed Level of Provision Net Gain/Loss It can be seen that the result of this option would be to increase the level of water space across the district by 126.5m². This scenario is not providing a rationalisation of facilities that will result in a good level of provision that is finically sustainable for the council going forward. The mapping exercise already carried out shows that Palmer Park and Arthur Hill have a very localised and overlapping catchment and thereof there is merit in looking to replace a facility in this area. However due to the level of provision it is anticipated that further revenue cost savings can be made without adversely affecting the ability to provide a good community programme. Option 2 Close Central Pool and Arthur Hill and replace with a new competition pool at Palmer Park Current Level of Provision Proposed Level of Provision Net Gain/Loss This option looks to reduce the level of water space in the district by 213.5m². If consideration is given to the population increase over the next 20 years and risk factors associated with older school facilities there is a potential for this option to result in the surplus being around the 100m² level. With other factors out of the councils control such as further closures to commercial sector facilities would have a significant impact on the level of provision across the district. Option 3 Close Central Pools and Arthur Hill and replace with new competition pool at Prospect Park Current Level of Provision Proposed Level of Provision Net Gain/Loss This option is a good option in terms of reducing the number of sites operated but maintaining a good level of water space, with a net gain of 10m². The closing of Arthur Hill on the eastern axis of the district has the potential to isolate the users of that facility that have already been identified as a local demographic with not much travel to their leisure facilities. With that in mind and the proximity to the Meadway Centre it would appear logical to consider including the Meadway facility into the considerations as well or as an alternative to the Arthur Hill closure. Option 4 Close Central Pool, Meadway and Arthur Hill Pools and provide new wet and dry facility at Prospect Park This proposed option is one that leads on from the comments in Option 3 and due to the proximity of Meadway to Prospect Park makes logical sense. The proposal would result in a reduction on current water levels by 413.5m² and would result in a level of provision over

4 the next 20 years in line with outline figures whilst reducing the cost liability to the council considerably by putting three facilities into one thus having a beneficial operating position. Current Level of Provision Proposed Level of Provision Net Gain/Loss There are however some areas that needs to be considered in greater detail. Is the location suitable and accessible enough for the current users of the Arthur Hill facility? The level of water provision is a slight concern. Although it will bring the total in line with projections the heavy reliance on education and commercial sector to meet the total figure is placing some risk on the provision and therefore further consideration to the facility mix in this option is required. The ASA believe that a 50-metre flexible community pool would be a solution in this scenario. It would increase the proposed level of water space by 203.5m² yet maintain the savings on the closure of three sites into one. Diving can be included in the main pool and the use of movable floors and bulkheads means the facility would be ultimately flexible without increasing additional site costs. The capital implications would be roughly in line with the 25m option but are likely to be slightly higher at around 7.8-8m this needs to be worked through in greater detail Option 4 is a good choice and deals with the concern over the displacement of the community in the east of the district. The maps showing the usage for Meadway and Central Pools indicates they do have a district wide draw and therefore developing a large hub facility central to the district has merit and advantages. The exploration of a new site more central could be considered but if the site is not already in the council ownership the impact of the fiscal package is likely to be a negative one. Option 5 Repair Existing Stock This option is least attractive for a number of reasons: 1- The financial goals will not be met as there will be no rationalisation process that allows the sports facilities to be brought more closely together reducing the isolation of some pavilion and dry side facilities that are close to but not benefiting from the same operational teams. Arthur Hill and Palmer Park are an example of this. 2- The attractiveness and modern facilities that are attractive to customers and improve the total participation levels of the community will not be delivered and therefore the return on investment will be low. 3- Some of the facilities are very old and attempting major renovations on such facilities is surrounded in considerable risk, and therefore the financial planning for such a scheme is very difficult. It could result in much greater levels of investment than first envisaged. 4- It will be a missed opportunity to create significant regionally significant leisure facilities that will benefit the entire district and beyond. C2. Conclusion The ASA feel that Option 4 with the consideration of a 50-metre swimming pool is the most attractive and sustainable solution for Reading Borough Council when planning their leisure

5 provision overhaul. The level of swimming pool provision is good across the district and the opportunity to maintain this level whilst reducing operating costs is apparent. There needs to be more work carried out on the cost plans for the facilities as the indicative costs provided were base line figures from a particular procurement route based on turnkey solutions. (2) Leisure Facilities Strategy Final Report produced by Strategic Leisure August 2013 This report was produced by Strategic Leisure a well-known and reputable sports consultancy organisation and covered all aspects of leisure facilities within Reading Unitary Authority and the sport and recreational activity of swimming and its related disciplines. The Report highlights the scenarios in relation to the current provision at the time of the Report: 3.1 A number of different scenarios can be identified in relation to future provision. Some options for facility provision may be more achievable than others, but all reflect the fact that: The Central Pool facility will need to be replaced. Whilst the aspiration may be for a 50m pool, both club and community needs could be satisfied with two 25m facilities, as long as the one focussed on club and competition use provided for the identified water needs of the local clubs e.g. deep water, diving and spectator facilities etc. However a flexible 50m pool, which is sub-divideable, as is the new Birmingham University Pool, could also be an option to consider. The replacement of Central Pool is likely to require a maximum of 1000sq m ie one 50m x 10 lane of water space; this could be met by one large, or two smaller facilities The replacement of Central Pool is likely to have an impact on Arthur Hill Leisure Centre; this facility has a lower usage level than the other facilities in Reading. The future of the Arthur Hill facility, which is not cost-effective to operate, must be considered Highdown Pool needs to be upgraded, or consideration should be given to its future, as it does not fully meet user expectations Meadway Pool must be maintained at its current standard as a minimum, to support current usage levels Rivermead Leisure Complex requires investment to modernise the existing leisure water area The report clearly identifies two options going forward: a. A flexible 50-metre pool option, and b. an alternative 2 x 25-metre pools option. There is little detail with regards to the configurations of these two options.

6 The Report concludes in relation to swimming pools: Conclusions and Recommendations 5.1 The following conclusions can be drawn from the assessment of need and analysis of findings: There is sufficient facility provision in the Borough in terms of pools, sports halls and fitness suites; the issue is that the majority of the RBC provision is in very poor condition There is only sufficient provision to meet demand because a large number of Reading s residents access facilities outside the Borough; any new facility provision should perhaps reflect this and provide more than simple replacement of what already exists The existing directly provided four RBC facilities require significant investment circa 5.5m - just to stand still; this would not realise any improvement in terms of new or additional facility provision, but relates to structural and infrastructure issues Given the age, design and condition of these four facilities, it is questionable whether spending this level of capital would provide value for money, in terms of the public purse, particularly when some of these facilities eg Arthur Hill do not currently operate at capacity Investing capital in a new, fit for purpose, modern facility, designed for today s participant is likely to attract increased participation, and better contribute to improved community health than investing in tired old buildings Rationalisation of the ageing stock ie Arthur Hill and Central Pool, and investment in one new facility, combining wet and dry facilities, in an accessible location, meeting current and future demand and needs has significant potential, and would not adversely affect accessibility, as long as it is central Increased population in the Borough over the next 10 years will realise additional demand for provision There is already high latent demand for facility provision in the Borough; however to attract this demand, provision needs to be high quality and affordable, to compete effectively with eg budget gyms opening in the town The benefits of investing in improved quality have already been demonstrated in the Borough at Rivermead and the Sports Academy, where operational costs have significantly reduced, in comparison to usage levels

7 It is likely that an alternative form of operational management and governance ie private operator with a trust model incorporated in its structure would realise significant revenue savings, compared to the in-house structure. 5.2 Overall, these conclusions point to a way forward involving some facility closure (Arthur Hill Pool and Fitness Studio and Central Pool), replacement of these by one new facility (central location to be determined), and investment into Palmer Park and Meadway Sports Centre. In the longer term, RBC may also wish to replace Meadway Sports Centre. It is important to stress that this is a key facility in the west of the Borough, and swimming provision in particular needs to be extended and enhanced. 5.3 Rationalisation and investment would be linked to the externalisation of the operational management of the facilities directly provided by RBC, and the procurement of a new partner for RBC. N.B It is important to highlight the fact that externalising the operational management of potentially three facilities should be a new procurement exercise, open to the market; whilst transfer to an existing partner could be considered e.g. GLL, or John Madjeski Academy, this is likely to be challenged by the market. 5.4 Asset transfer could also be considered as an option, particularly for Arthur Hill Pool and Fitness Studio, although it is important to be clear that this would be a costly option, requiring capital investment from RBC prior to asset transfer, which may not benefit the whole Reading community. There is also risk in this option in relation to the capability, and longevity of the community organisation taking on the operational management. 5.5 In addition to the above strategic conclusions, it is important to stress and reflect a number of other issues, which should be addressed in developing the way forward. (3) Options appraisal and feasibility study for the development of leisure centres across the borough produced by the Sports Consultancy August Prior to August 2015 Reading UA commissioned a further report delivered by the Sports Consultancy in August The Options The needs analysis work has informed the development of 5 options to address the facility requirements facing the Council and to meet the current and future needs of the catchment population, to a lesser or greater extent. These were developed in detail to understand the likely capital, revenue and funding implications of a range of options. A summary of the options is contained in the table below. Option 1 - Do nothing (status quo) Option 2 - Close Arthur Hill (no replacement) and replace Central Pool Option 3 - Retain Arthur Hill and replace Central Pool only Option 4 - Replace Arthur Hill and replace Central Pool

8 Option 5 - Close Arthur Hill (no replacement) and replace Central Pool (50m pool) Conclusions from a review of the advantages and disadvantages This section contains conclusions from the review of advantages and disadvantages of each site and a site scoring exercise. Recommendations are provided at the end of this section. Academy Sport - Academy Sport is a site that currently accommodates a good quality facility that was built in The facilities are recommended for retention within the needs assessment work, as they are an important part of the overall facility provision in the Borough. Provision of new facilities on this site is not recommended. Arthur Hill - Arthur Hill site is simply too small to accommodate any of the proposed facility options and should be discounted as a site for a new build as a result. Cattle Market - Cattle Market is a poor site for development of a new leisure centre. While it is in a central location within Reading, the site itself is very difficult. The following issues are the principal reasons for not selecting this site: The shape of the site makes development of a new leisure centre at this site very accommodated. Access is likely to be problematic. It is shared with a number of other users that are not easily compatible with access to a community leisure centre. Due to the site layout, the leisure centre will not be visible to passing traffic. The site is not recommended for development of a new leisure centre. Central Pool - Central Pool is the site of Reading s main swimming facility. It is in a prominent location in Reading town centre with good access via public and private transport. The site is relatively small and is not capable of accommodating the larger facility options required to replace the existing facilities and should be discounted on that basis. Hills Meadow - Hills Meadow represents a strong site option for the larger facility options. The location is very central within Reading and there is enough area to accommodate the building options. It is a prominent site with good access from private and public transport. However, it is noted that the capacity to accommodate all parking on site is limited. This could be mitigated through use of nearby town centre parking by users. The main risk affecting the site is flood related issues. These are likely to result in additional capital costs for developing the site. Further work should be commissioned to assess the flood risk issues. Another significant issue is that the site is currently leased to National Car (NCP). The site generates 248,000 gross income per annum for the Council. The agreement can be terminated with 3 months notice but this could be problematic, as Hills Meadow is part of a wider contract with NCP, for multiple sites in the town. If the agreement is terminated the Council will be required to pay compensation to NCP. The amount payable is not clear at this point and would require further work by officers to clarify this. It could be a significant sum. There are currently 298 spaces on the site. It is not clear if these would need to be re-

9 provided but their loss would have a negative impact on town centre parking provision, if not re provided. Meadway - Meadway is a site that currently accommodates a wet and dry facility that was built in The facilities are recommended for retention within the needs assessment work, as they are an important part of the overall facility provision in the Borough. Therefore, provision of new facilities on this site is not recommended. been identified in relation to this site, apart from the need to provide adequate parking and to reduce the impact of the development on existing users for the duration of the construction period. The site is recommended for further consideration as a location for the smaller community pool option, if a decision is taken to close Arthur Hill Pool. Prospect Park - Prospect Park is located in a park setting to the west of the borough. Given the recommendation to retain the nearby Meadway Sports Centre, it is not recommended that a new facility is built in such close proximity. There are also a number of planning and environmental factors that could make development of the site difficult and problematic. Overall, the site Southside - Southside represents a strong option for the larger facility options. One of the key advantages being the potential developer contribution of 3m towards the cost of the project. However, selection of this site represents a high risk to the Council. The 3m developer contribution, while potentially advantageous, is not certain at this point. There is a large degree of uncertainty surrounding the likely dates for development of the site. With building cost inflation forecast at circa 8% per annum the potential benefit of a 3m contribution could quickly be cancelled out by building cost inflation linked to delays in the project programme. The 3m contribution will only improve the financial viability of a development at this site if the development can proceed quickly. With no clarity on the timescales for the wider development of Southside, or a definitive commitment for the development taking place yet, selection of this site would be a high risk strategy for the Council. Another significant disadvantage is that the site is close to the Academy Sport site and would compete directly for users of that facility, negatively impacting the financial viability of Academy Sport. Overall, while the site has some considerable advantages, most notably the potential 3m develop contribution, the uncertainty over the timing of receipt of this contribution makes it a highly risky option to select as the preferred option. This risk will be reduced if planning consent is obtained and the pre-lets secured by the developer. The site is recommended for further consideration as a location for the larger facility options but with some significant risks noted. Rivermead Leisure Complex - Rivermead is a site that currently accommodates a wet and dry facility that was built in The facilities are recommended for retention within the needs assessment work, as they are an important part of the overall facility provision in the borough. There a number of positive aspects to developing new facilities at this site including:

10 The site already has a large leisure centre and the site could accommodate a new swimming pool and parking. Use of the site and development here would increase the use and profile of the facilities as a whole. Access to the site is via Richfield Avenue and given the soon to be completed Cow Lane Bridge improvements, the site will have good access to the IDR and the A329 and West Reading. There are no known issues that will impact the buildability and construction programme at this point However, there are a number of disadvantages, most notably: Any new facilities would need to be linked to the existing centre. By extending the existing site it is recommended that further work is completed to improve the quality of existing facilities, which would add to the cost of the development. Of these, Rivermead is recommended as the preferred site. It already has a large leisure centre on site and could accommodate a new swimming pool and parking. Use of the site and development here would increase the use and profile of the facilities as a whole. The Options Appraisal concludes by recommending two new sites but it is unclear from the study why the 50-metre pool option has been discarded? (4) An alternative configuration concept for Reading Swimming Pool produced by Swim England November 2017 This report was produced by Swim England to counter Reading UA s decision not to include a 50-metre pool option within the decision making process for the elected members consideration. The essence of the report was to demonstrate that a flexibly designed 50-metre swimming pool with bulkheads and moveable floors would fit into the same footprint as a 25-metre swimming pool with a learner pool. This option would then permit the provision of a regional competition configuration with diving facilities at a comparable cost. Although this was submitted to the Reading UA officers no response was elicited. This was not and is not a best fit option and was only suggested due to the intransigence of the Reading UA officers to the concept of a 50-metre pool complex. There is greater logic in providing a larger better designed complex. Current Position Since the initial strategy reviews were completed Swim England is aware that significant changes have taken place in Reading UA and its surrounding areas. Swim England also believe that not enough consideration has been given to the business model for a 50-metres swimming pool option for Reading. Significant changes

11 In 2011 the population of the area was recorded as 155,700; it is now considered to be 166,035, an increase of 6.6% in 7 years. The population is considered to grow at the same given rate so that in 10 years time the population is expected to top 180,000. The wider urban population of the Reading area is considered to be approximately 320,000; well in excess for the catchment of a 50-merte pool. The number of local authority swimming pools has now been reduced to 3, with one of these pools being a leisure pool that is ineffective as a conventional swimming pool (excluding the temporary provision). None of the adjacent local authorities of Wokingham, West Berkshire, Windsor & Maidenhead or South Oxfordshire have built a new community swimming pool in the last 10 years and any additional pools are still in the development stage. This provides 327.5m²of permanent community water space in the district. The national average for swimming pool provision is currently 12m²/1,000 head of population. Given that a proportion of the water space is provided by schools and commercial fitness clubs who provide a limited service to the community use, this suggests there is a shortfall of approximately 850m². Disregarding the peripheral education and commercial facilities this means that there is a significant current shortfall of community water space in Reading UA. It has always been Swim England s contention that Reading UA should at least maintain the status quo of swimming provision and to achieve this position now requires a reintroduction of at least 850m²of water space. This is not taking into account the identified increase in population that has already been identified in the earlier strategy reviews, which would suggest an extra 120m²needs to be considered; given an overall requirement of approximately 970m². Demographic reconsiderations Reading UA is 61km² although a wider geographical area looks to Reading as its hub town. The authority area is approximately 7km north-south, and 7km east-west. These distances permit a centrally based leisure complex to service the whole authority area with a vehicle travel time of no more than 15 minutes. This means that multiple facilities overlay each other s catchment areas and they effectively compete against each other for customers. 50-metre swimming pool complex considerations Swim England s strategy for the delivery of sustainable swimming pools is encapsulated in Swim England s Competition Swimming Pool Facilities Framework & Community Swimming Pool Framework. Swim England s approach to sustainable pools is based on the research work by Sport England in their Affordable Sports Centres and Swimming Pools guidance documents that

12 clearly show that the larger and more flexible in use a swimming is the more sustainable it is and the greater profitability can be achieved. Creating a single larger facility also benefits from economies of scale providing operational savings in staffing, plant & machinery systems, utility costs etc. against multiple site options. Applying this logic to Reading UA area the best fit scenario is to provide one accessible sports village servicing the whole of the local authority area. The size/area of the local authority and its extended catchment area allows this. Therefore rather than providing two 25m swimming pools on separate sites where the catchment areas will overlay and compete a single centre should be considered providing the equivalent provision. This can be shown thus: Ø 1 x 50m x 16m (8-lane) swimming pool with a constant depth of 2m and with a vertical bulkhead and one moveable floor to achieve significant shallow water space for learn to swim. Ø 1 x 16.5m x 20m swimming pool with a maximum depth of 5m to permit a full diving board configuration at 10m, 7m, 5m, 3m and 1m. This pool to be fitted with a moveable floor that permits the pool to operate as a learner pool or fitness pool. Ø A dry-dive centre. Ø To ensure a Leisure Village concept this complex should be based with the current leisure pool facility at Rivermead and with additional dry-side facilities. The 50m pool may have limited competition provision to county or preferably regional standard and this would be determined by the number of spectator seats provided, either permanent or temporary. This type of provision would mirror the successful and effective leisure village concepts at Basildon and Portsmouth that have similar population and area profiles (the centre at Portsmouth is particularly relevant in this instance as it incorporated a new 50m pool with an existing sports centre). Swim England s Competition Swimming Pool Facilities Framework Swim England s Strategic Plan for Swimming in England identifies Six Strategic Objectives: Towards a nation swimming To support our vision of a nation swimming we have set the following strategic objectives: 1. Provide strong leadership and be the recognised authority for swimming 2. Substantially increase the number of people able to swim 3. Significantly grow the number and diversity of people enjoying and benefitting from regular swimming 4. Create a world leading talent system for all our disciplines

13 5. Deliver a high quality, diverse and motivated workforce within swimming 6. Strengthening our organisational sustainability for future generations To ensure success with objectives 4 and 6 it is necessary to have suitable competitive and training facilities throughout England to accommodate a quality sustainable club infrastructure and to increase the size and success of the English talent pool. Without appropriate facilities to train and compete in the competitive swimming and aquatic environment a quality sustainable club infrastructure and a successful English talent pool cannot flourish. A community pool is not necessarily a competition pool but in the interests of sustainability a competition pool should always be able to function as a community pool see the Swim England s Community Pool Framework. Although training can take place in community swimming pools a certain number of competition pools are necessary for club swimmers and other disciplines such as diving, synchronised swimming and water polo to compete in and replicate the facilities required on the world stage. Scale of Provision To meet the level of competition and the requirements for club training The Competition Swimming Pool Framework seeks the following provision at the very least with additional competition facilities where the population clusters require. A 50-metre by 8-lane regional competition pool with swim down pool (with the addition of a bulkhead and moveable floor this facility is likely to provide the region a 25m x 8-lane short course competition swimming pool in the same water space). Additionally capable of providing water polo and synchronised swimming to Regional Competition level. A 25-metre by 8-lane county competition swimming pools with swim down pool for each county A 25-metre by 6-lane district competition swimming pools with a learner pool for each local authority district A 10-metre diving facility; additionally capable of providing synchronised swimming to regional competition level in each region. In the South-East Region (including Reading UA) the 50-metre Regional Centres are: Luton Crawley Portsmouth High Wycombe

14 All of these centres are significantly distant from Reading apart from High Wycombe, which has its own heavily populated catchment area and would not impinge upon any facility in the reading area. Competition swimming pool A competition swimming pool must have the following attributes: A rectangular shape with level and parallel ends. Preferably a constant depth of 2-metres but with the inclusion of bulkheads and moveable floors introduce the ability to be a flexible community swimming pool. Lane markings as per FINA/Swim England Rules Competition long-course or short-course lengths within the FINA/Swim England required tolerances Flat, vertical end walls Preferably with raised ends (at both ends for 50m pools and at the start end for 25m pools). Fittings for false start and backstroke indicator Spectator seating at a number to meet the level of event as indicated by Swim England design specifications (See Swim England Guidance Document Spectator and competitor seating for championships and other events). LUX levels within the pool hall to meet the level of event as indicated by Swim England design specifications, which are 500 LUX for competition pools (see Sport England/Swim England Design Guidance Notes & FINA Rules). The specified width of pool decks at the start and turn ends to meet the level of event as indicated by Swim England design specifications An additional swim-down pool for events of regional and district level that is Level 1 and 2 events. Fittings for automatic officiating equipment (Starting platforms, timing pads, display screen and turning boards) Average community swimming pool area options with competition configurations highlighted v A 25m x 8.5m - 4 lane community swimming pool provides 212.5m² of water space v A 25m x 12.5m 6 lane community swimming pool provides 312.5m² of water space v A 25m x 12.5m 6 lane swimming pool plus learner pool 8m x 12.5m provides 412.5m² of water space can provide a district short-course competition and community pool providing the appropriate seating is available. v A 25m x lane community swimming pool provides 412.5m² of water space

15 v A 25m x lane swimming pool plus learner pool 16.5m x 10m provides 577.5m² of water space can provide a district short-course competition and community pool providing the appropriate seating is available. v A 25m x 20.5m 10 lane swimming pool provides 512.5m² of water space v A 25m x 20.5m 10 lane swimming pool plus learner pool 20.5m x 10m provides 717.5m² of water space can provide a national short-course competition and community pool providing the appropriate seating is available. v A 50m x 17m 8 lane swimming pool provides 850m² of water space v A 50m x 17m 8 lane swimming pool (2-metre lanes) plus learner pool 17m x 10m provides 1,020m² of water space can provide a long-course district competition and community pool providing the appropriate seating is available. Alternatively a district 50- metre pool may have 2.5m wide lanes (FINA standard) preferred and meet national standard with a water space of 1,220m². It can be noted that two 25m pool facilities have a similar water area to a 50m 8 lane facility with additional pool. Flexible facilities To ensure that swimming pools can provide as many activities as possible the addition of bulkheads to divide the larger pools into both long-course and shortcourse facilities should be considered; together with moveable floors that can ensure that the pool depths can meet the activity requirements within the programme ensuring demand is capable of being met throughout the day and participation is maximised. All swimming pools should be designed with the Sport England Design Guidance publication and the BS EN :2008, Safety requirements for design, taken into full consideration. Swim-down pool A swim-down pool is a pool additional to the main competition pool that is available for competitors to warm-up and swim-down before and after events. The purpose of a swim-down pool is to enable: The process of returning all body systems to resting levels following intensive swimming Removal of Lactate Return muscle and blood ph to normal Resynthesise Phosphocreatine Hormonal changes Repair muscle

16 Psychological recovery Replenish glycogen stores A swim-down pool will have the following attributes: A rectangular shape with sufficient lanes to enable a race group to all be able to swim-down together; this would normally be not less than 4 x 2m lanes i.e. 8-metres wide. The swim-down pool is required to be of a sufficient length to accommodate competent swimmers to swim a reasonable length; this is preferably 17-metres but where the competitors are of a higher standard swimming in regional and national competitions a length of 20-metres is preferred to enhance the physical recovery referred to above. More accomplished swimmers perform fewer complete strokes and breathing cycles in a 17- metres pool and the additional 3-metres improves recovery. The swim-down pool does not require a competitive start facility and may therefore be a shallow pool i.e. 1-metre, with deck-level circulation system. It is normal practice to use a swim-down pool as a learner pool when competition is not taking place and the addition of a moveable floor is a distinct advantage. A conventional learner pool can act a as the swim-down pool for Level 3 & 4 Competition events and non-licensed competition. Types of Competition Pool and their size Length & width Spectator Seating Suitability 50-metres x 10-lane long course competition pool with 2.5m wide lanes and swim down pool 20m long As specified by FINA or LEN and can be as many as 15,000; however this number of seats would normally be only temporary and a permanent number of spectator seating would be in the order of 500/600. Competition pools of this size are not normally built unless they are a specific requirement by FINA or LEN for specific international long course competitions. Temporary stainless steel panel pools have often been provided in major exhibition venues for international events. However they are suitable for all levels of competition. 50-metres x 8-lane long course competition pool with 2m wide lanes and minimum 17m length swim down pool 25-metres x 10-lane short course competition pool With 2.5m wide lanes and swim down pool 20m long 350/400 spectator seats An area needs to be available to accommodate approximately 250 competitors. These can be accommodated with temporary seating. As specified by FINA or LEN and can be as many as 15,000; however this number of seats would normally be only temporary and a permanent number of spectator seating would be in the order of 500 (For International Short-Course 1,000 plus.) An area needs to be available to accommodate approximately 250 competitors. These can be Suitable for Regional and County Competitions. With a bulkhead this type of pool can also provide short-course competition to Regional and County standards. Competition pools of this size are not normally built unless they are a specific requirement by FINA or LEN for specific international short course competitions. Temporary stainless steel panel pools have often been provided in major venues for international events. However they are suitable for all levels of competition.

17 25-metres x 8-lane short course competition pool With 2m wide lanes and swim down pool 17m long 25-metres x 6-lane short course competition pool with 2m wide lanes and swim down pool of conventional teaching pool size. Synchronised Swimming accommodated with temporary seating. 250 spectator seats (For Suitable for National, Regional, District and National Short Course venues County Short Course Competition depending 500 seats). on width of lanes and spectator seating An area needs to be available to provision. Suitable for County Competition. accommodate approximately 180 competitors. These can be accommodated with temporary seating. 150 spectator seats Suitable for District Competition. An area needs to be available to accommodate approximately An area needs to be available to accommodate approximately 120 competitors. These can be accommodated with temporary seating. 250 spectator seats For full national and regional synchronised swimming competition the following configurations are required: Figure section two area 10m x 3m, one area being 3m deep and the other area 2.5m deep. Routine section an area 12m x 25m at 2m deep, with an integral area 12m x 12m at 3m deep. Lower level competition is held in conventional community pools. Water Polo 250 spectator seats For full national and regional water polo pitches the following pool dimensions are required: Men s 30m x 25m x 2m Women s 25m x 20m x 2m Lower level competition is held in conventional community pools. Diving 250 spectator seats 150 spectator seats National and Regional Diving facilities require a full set of diving platforms to 10m height accommodated in a diving pit. County Diving facilities require a set of diving platforms to 5m height accommodated in a diving pit. The location of regional facilities The location of regional competition facilities should be determined by the following considerations: The regional geography

18 The regional demography and population clusters Ease of access via main roads (most competition teams are transported by coach) Distance travelled to a Regional, County and District facility. The state of the current facility mix around potential sites The supporting infrastructure The demand for community water space (Sport England Facility Planning Model data) The current club structure Regional geography Most regions have areas of sparse population this is usually due to geographical features that affect economic development e.g. Dartmoor, the Fens, the Peak District. This has four major effects: 1. Smaller population clusters i.e. villages rather than towns 2. The geographical feature acts as a barrier between larger population clusters often due to poor communication routes. 3. Because of limited employment the demography of the area is often polarised i.e. the elderly. 4. Large community facilities are less sustainable Geographical features need to be considered when locating facilities if those geographical features skew the population clusters and have a significant impact on time-travelled to a facility. The regional demography and population clusters Additional to the geography of a region and often because of it most regions will have population clusters that manifest themselves into areas of demand where provision can be sustainable and achieve significant participation. The population clusters will develop recognisable features: ü Effective communication infrastructure. ü Industrial centres ü Service centres ü A demographic range of residents that will require a wide range of provision It follows that larger facilities should be placed where the largest population clusters can access them and will support the investment needed to provide them and ensure sufficient potential participation to make the facilities sustainable. This logic applies equally to any significant sporting investment. Ease of access via main roads Research has shown that the main form of travel to and from competition events is by car or coach. This is because most competitions a team events and the clubs tend to organise transport as a group.

19 For a Regional facility to be effective it must have ease of access via the road network and consideration should always be given to placing facilities that are designed to attract competitors from some distance near regional road networks, away from heavily congested city centres (where possible) and with good parking facilities. Time travelled to a Regional, County and District facility. All sports will have levels of competition and the assumption is that the higher the level of competition the competitor will accept the need to travel further. This is manifest in the national levels of competition based on National, Regional and County levels. There is already an accepted travelling time to local/district community facilities that is embedded in the Sport England Active Power Database, which indicates that it is reasonable for a customer to be prepared to travel minutes to a local facility. Obviously when equating this time travelled to distance achieved the density of population, road distribution and geography as listed above all come into play. However it is considered reasonable based on current data of time/distance people have actually travelled to accept the following travel times as acceptable for the different levels of competition: Level of Competition Time Travelled Distance National Competition Depends on location Depends on location Regional Competition 1 hour 10 minutes Approximately 60 miles County Competition 30 minutes-45 minutes Approximately miles District Competition Up to 30 minutes Approximately miles The distances help to determine the placement of the different types of competition facility within England as a whole, the regions and counties to enable competition to be delivered and to meet Swim England s key competition objectives. The state of the current facility mix around potential sites Another factor when considering the Competition Facilities Framework is placing it within a time context. Although when a swimming pool is designed and built the conventional wisdom is that it has been provided for a finite period of approximately 30 years the reality is that there are still many Victorian and Edwardian swimming pools still operational and although they are not competition pools in the modern sense of the term they still fulfil a community function and provide water space in a given location. Any Competition Facilities Framework must sit within the wider Swim England Strategy for the given time frame, just as the Swim England Strategy must complement the Sport England Strategy for the same timeframe. The Competition Facilities Framework must therefore be realistic and achievable in relation to the age and potential life of swimming pool existing stock in potential delivery areas.

20 For example if a potential area for a 50-metre competition pool facility is well provided for with lesser facilities that are relatively new builds the 50-metre pool could not be achieved in a reasonable short timeframe and a more receptive area should be considered. Facilities conditions and provision is always in a state of flux and it is not possible to provide a definitive Competition Facilities Framework for any given area of England without the need to revisit the conditions on a regular basis. For this reason a competition pool should always be able to first and foremost function as a community pool in some form: The Sport England Affordable Pools Model demonstrates that all swimming pools should not stand-alone and should be supported at the least by a fitness suite and dance/exercise studios that enhance the income profile. The supporting infrastructure Competition facilities require a supporting infrastructure to ensure that the competition pool is sustainable. Travelling teams require coach transport, for major competitions accommodation, restaurant outlets, basic retail shops and swim equipment shops. The facility itself benefits from a substantial food outlet I.e. hot fresh food rather than vending. Additionally research (The economic impact of competition report published by Swim England) has shown that the area where the competition facility is located receives significant additional financial benefits and for this reason placing the competition facility where competitors and spectators can access local amenities or by providing complementary features on site i.e. café can greatly enhance the secondary spend from these events. Research has shown that the main beneficiaries of competition are the local hotels, and shops. The economic impact of competition Recent research has identified the following benefits of holding competition events: 1.1 Based on the research undertaken, the findings and the subsequent financial and economic impact modelling, the following conclusions can be made: There are a wide range of existing aquatic events, held at venues across England Some of these venues host more events because the facility meets more of the requirements for an event There are a finite number of swimming events, particularly at the higher levels i.e. National, Regional, Levels 2 and 3 so whilst there is some potential to move events around to different locations, and specifically new pool facilities, this does not create new events overall, nor additional economic impact/benefit. Changing the location of an event will provide economic benefit to the chosen venue, but will remove this from the location it was held at previously. The magnitude of the economic impact within the host economy can be affected by

21 contextual variables in addition to the amount of direct spend at each site. This includes local supply chains (i.e. whether products and services originate in the local area and therefore expenditure is subject to a larger multiplier (trickle down) effect), and similarly with wage leakages; a greater impact will be generated if employees are local and wages earned are spent within the local area All swimming events, whatever their scale, level or duration have an impact on the usual programme and participation at the event because the normal activity programme is cancelled, or at minimum reduced/amended. This tends to impact most on: swimming lessons (Saturday and Sunday mornings, family swimming (throughout the weekend), class activities, casual/lane swimming Aquatic events do result in financial benefit to both the venue and the local area; the scale of this benefit is directly related to the event nature, (i.e. is it swimming, diving, water polo or synchronised swimming; the nature of the activity determines the number of participants, and spectators), type and duration, which clearly drives the level of financial benefit The economic impact of an event is significantly higher than the operational benefit; this means that hosting events is of primary value to the local area and economy. Summary of Economic and Operational Benefits by Event Type TOTAL OVERALL TYPE OF EVENT OPERATIONAL IMPACT OF THE E VENT ( ) BENEFIT TO V ENUE OPERATOR TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT (EXCLUDING O PERATIONAL S PEND) EMPLOYMENT FTE S ENSITIVITY ANALYSIS (EI) NATIONAL 36, , k- 892k LEVEL 3 12,041 25, k- 40k LEVEL 2 9,169 Insufficient data available LEVEL 1 2,760 19, k- 30k DIVING 9,260 91, k-59k SYNCHRO 3,142 33, k- 52k WATER P OLO 5,457 71, k- 112k At current 2017 costs a 50-metre or 25-metre competition swimming pool with moveable floor & bulkhead, swim-down pool/learner pool with additional facilities such as a fitness suite, dance/exercise studios, sports hall etc. with the appropriate support areas, wet & dry changing rooms, refreshment area, toilets etc. will cost approximately 10% to 15% more

22 than a community swimming pool of the same water area and swimmer capacity (see Sport England s Affordable Sports Centres with 50m pool options and Sport England s Affordable Sports Centres with 25m pool options). The costs are up-dated to reflect current costs year on year. This is primarily because of the competition requirement for significantly more spectator seating than a community pool needs. Type of pool Approximate minimum cost at 2017 prices 50-metres x 8-lane competition pool 16m 50-metres x 8-lane community pool 13.6m 25-metres x 8-lane competition pool 6.5m 25-metres x 8-lane community pool 5.5m The Sport England Affordable Community Swimming Pools and Affordable Sports Centres with 50-metres Pool Options guidance documents identify that the indicative costs per m² for a mixture of wet and dry areas is approximately 2,500/m². The additional wider pool decks required for a competition pool are approximately: 6-lanes = 16.5m² x 2,500 = 41,250 8-lanes = 20.5m² x 2,500 = 51,250 A row of spectator seats along a 25-metres pool provides approximately 50 seats taking into consideration aisles providing an area requirement of approximately 20m² at 2,500/m² = 50,000 For a 50-metres swimming pool for one row of spectator seats providing approximately 100 seats an area requirement of approximately 40m² at 2,500/m² = 100,000. Therefore to provide spectator seating and wider pool decks for differing types of competition pool the additional costs may be: Type of competition pool 50-metres x 8-lane pool 50-metres x 6-lane pool 25-metres x 8-lane pool 25-metres x 6-lane pool Number of seats required Area at a cost of 2,500/m² Additional cost Cost of additional pool deck Total cost of additional competition pool footprint 350/ m²/160m² 350,000-51, , , , m² 200,000 41, , m² 250,000 51, , m² 150,000 41, ,250 Clearly the material difference between a community pool and a competition pool is one of footprint size but the above cost indicators do not anticipate design preferences. Designers may choose to place the spectator seating at deck-level, which would increase the footprint as indicated; however designers may wish to place the spectator seating at height, often

23 even at first floor level. Such a design choice may not increase the footprint of the whole complex but does increase the height of the build and may increase the cost of the facility significantly beyond the costs listed above. Controlling costs is a design choice. However this onerous requirement can be minimised in all but the major facilities by the use of removable seating or bleacher seating that only require an extra wide pool deck on one side of the pool, which when the seats are not required can be used for other activities. It is to be expected that any increased expenditure to expand the use of a community facility into a competition facility would have commensurate gains to the pool provider, pool operator and the community at large. This may be in financial terms or other perceived social gains. Return on investment Based on the possible economic benefits described at 1.6 below it can be seen that a mixed range of competitions held at different types of competition pool would provide an insight into annual contribution and potential pay-back periods for the increased investment. Type of Pool 50-metres x 8- lane pool 50-metres x 6- lane pool 25-metres x 8- lane pool 25-metres x 6- lane pool Number of competitions/annum of mixed type events Annual Income to Pool Operator from Competition Annual benefit to the local community Payback period for increase capital outlay , , years , , years , , years 20 93, , years 1.1 Based on the above table, the minimum economic benefit likely to be achieved by any event is around 20k, with the commensurate operator benefit for these events ranging from 2,760 to 12k. The maximum economic benefit to be gained by any event is likely to be in the region of 571k, with operational benefit being around 36k. The additional capital costs to build a competition pool rather than a community pool needs to consider the impact of the total economic spend to the area in addition to the more marginal benefits to the venue operator, which over the lifetime of the facility may be significant. The Competition Framework - other disciplines A 50m competition pool may also be a pool that may be suitable for other aquatic activities and in particular synchronised swimming, water polo and diving. In the case of Reading UA it is understood that there is already a commitment to some diving provision. Diving

24 Specifications for a Diving Pool Whether diving platforms are sited into the deep end of the main swimming pool or sited into a pool exclusively for diving the depth and spatial specification must conform to FINA Rules if intended for competition. If not being used for competition depth and spatial specification must be safe to use, which suggests that they will not vary significantly from FINA Rules. Any variations of depth and spatial distances, heights, widths etc. must be subject to a risk assessment that explains the logic of the dimensions variations.

25 The FINA Diving Facility Specifications are: Clearly the depth of the diving pool or diving pit in a main pool is determined by the height of the highest diving platform or spring board and the depth requirement at the plummet (5- metres for a 10-metre platform, 3.5-metres for a 5-metre platform and 3.8-metres for a 3- metre spring board). The minimum depth for any diving pool area is 3.2-metres for a 1-metre platform and 3.5- metres for a 1-metre spring board. With the increasing significance of synchronised diving, the FINA preference is for the synchronised boards to be adjacent to each other, with no intervening platforms.

26 Although FINA only refers to the greater width of the 10-metre platform for synchronised platform diving, Swim England prefers the width of the 7.5-metre, 5-metre and 3-metre platforms to reflect this width (3-metres). Diving configurations are identified as Regional and County or alternatively as Competition and Feeder facilities respectively. Competition Configuration 10-metres platform (3-metres wide) 7.5-metres platform (3-metres wide) 5-metres platform (3-metres wide) 3-metres platform (3-metres wide) 1-metre platform 2 x 3-metres springboards 2 x 1-metres springboards 5-metres deep at plummet Training/Feeder Configuration 5-metres platform (3-metres wide) 1-metre platform 2 x 3-metres springboards 3.8-metres deep at plummet Region Venues South East 1 South West 1 London 2 East 2 East Midlands 0 West Midlands 0 Yorkshire & Humberside 2 North East 0 Location North West!0-metre board 1 Region CRYSTAL PALACE 1 London INSPIRE: LUTON SPORTS VILLAGE 1 East JOHN CHARLES CENTRE FOR SPORT 1 Yorkshire LONDON AQUATICS CENTRE 1 London MANCHESTER AQUATICS CENTRE 1 North West PLYMOUTH LIFE CENTRE 1 South West PONDS FORGE INTERNATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE 1 Yorkshire SOUTHEND LEISURE & TENNIS CENTRE 1 East THE QUAYS SWIMMING & DIVING COMPLEX 1 South East Current locations of regional competition 10-metre diving configurations It will be observed that the regional spread of these facilities are:

27 Total 9 It can be seen from this table that there is no significant diving provision in the South-East Region near Reading. The configuration of a diving pool or diving area in a main pool limits its use in relation to wider community use and it is for this reason that Swim England recommends the installation of a moveable floor in diving areas so that the programming of this area is more flexible and with the moveable floor raised the area can be used for shallow and deep water swimming lessons, exercise in water, fitness swimming etc. Performance and development centre require dry-side training: Dry land training area: An estimated 30% of divers training is in a dry training area. Ideally situated adjacent to the diving pool and equipped with trampolines, dry boards with foam landing areas, weight training area and training harnesses. Current provision 3 x High Performance Centres Leeds Plymouth London Aquatic Centre 1 x Performance Analysis Sheffield 4 x Development Centres Southend Luton Southampton Crystal Palace 4 x Talent / Potential Dev Centres Manchester Bradford Harrogate Cambridge Feeder diving provision

28 Each region should have sufficient centres with feeder diving provision to support their regional facilities. The current facilities with a diving structure configuration up to 5-metres platform are: Site Name Region 1m Spring 3m Spring 1m Plat 3m Plat 5m Plat ALDERSHOT GARRISON SPORTS CENTRE SE BARNET COPTHALL LEISURE CENTRE L BARNSLEY METRODOME LEISURE COMPLEX Y&H CASTLE LEISURE CENTRE NW CORBY EAST MIDLANDS INTERNATIONAL POOL EM DOLPHIN POOL DARLINGTON NE EVERYONE ACTIVE LEISURE CENTRE: POOLE SW FULLWELL CROSS LEISURE CENTRE L GUILDFORD SPECTRUM SE HALIFAX SWIMMING POOL Y&H HIGHGROVE POOL & FITNESS CENTRE L K2 CRAWLEY SE KINGSMEAD LEISURE CENTRE SE LEISURE@CHELTENHAM (Cotswold DC - GBDF) SW MAIDSTONE LEISURE CENTRE SE MALTBY LEISURE CENTRE Y&H NORTH DEVON LEISURE CENTRE SW PARKSIDE POOLS & GYM E PUTNEY LEISURE CENTRE L REGIONAL SWIM & FITNESS CENTRE E RIVERSIDE ICE & LEISURE E ROBINSON POOL, BEDFORD E SHIPLEY SWIMMING POOL Y&H SPORTSPACE HEMEL HEMPSTEAD E SUNDERLAND AQUATIC CENTRE NE THE CHILTERN POOLS SW THE HYDRO (POOL & FITNESS CENTRE) Y&H TROWBRIDGE SPORTS CENTRE SW TUNBRIDGE WELLS SPORTS CENTRE SE TYNEMOUTH SWIMMING POOL NE WHITE OAK LEISURE CENTRE SE TOTAL 33 Region Venues South East 6 South West 6 London 4 East 5 East Midlands 1 West Midlands 0

29 Yorkshire & Humberside 5 North East 3 North West 1 Total 33 Swim England s Community Swimming Pool Facilities Framework Swim England s Strategic Plan for Swimming in England identifies Six Strategic Objectives: Towards a nation swimming To support our vision of a nation swimming we have set the following strategic objectives: 1. Provide strong leadership and be the recognised authority for swimming 2. Substantially increase the number of people able to swim 3. Significantly grow the number and diversity of people enjoying and benefitting from regular swimming 4. Create a world leading talent system for all our disciplines 5. Deliver a high quality, diverse and motivated workforce within swimming 6. Strengthening our organisational sustainability for future generations To ensure success with objectives 2 and 3 it is necessary to have suitable and sufficient community facilities throughout England. A community swimming pool is a pool that can deliver most of the aquatic activities, these are: Learn to swim/swimming lessons Fitness swimming Exercise in water Swimming club training Lifesaving training Synchronised swimming training Water polo training Adult & child lessons Fun sessions Swimming is invariably conducted by swimming in straight lines and because of this a community pool usually has the following attributes:

30 A rectangular area suitable to be divided into lanes for fitness swimming Lane markings to assist in lane swimming Water depths to deliver swimming lessons for all ages and to be of a sufficient depth to permit fitness swimming To be of a sufficient length to deliver lane fitness swimming A number of spectator seats to be provided to meet the demand of the activity generating the most spectator demand; this is usually the learn to swim programme or the swimming club sessions. It can be seen from this comparison that the main differentiation between a competition pool and a community pool is the number of spectator seats required to deliver competition and slightly wider pool decks. A community pool is not necessarily a competition pool but in the interests of sustainability a competition pool should always be able to function as a community pool. A community use pool is a pool that is available to the general public at large in varying degrees. Logically its design should aim to accommodate as many activities that the community wish to participate in. From the user groups already identified it should definitely accommodate learning to swim, recreational swimming, fitness swimming, school swimming, and competitive club swimming as these activities are undertaken by the most customers. It would be additionally beneficial if the community pool can also accommodate Exercise in Water, Parent and Baby Classes, Canoe Training, Sub-Aqua Training. Unlike competition pools the configuration of a community pool is not prescriptive and therefore it is more relevant to consider the dimensions and attributes of the activities that are required to take place in them. It is also important to consider the potential user profiles and behavioural change research to identify for whom the facilities is being provided for. Main Pool Flexibility One of the many complaints about a small community swimming pool (25-metre x 8.5- metre 4 lane pool) is that is cannot easily accommodate more than one customer set at any one time. When the general public are using it, it cannot also easily be used for swimming lessons or a swimming club etc. This exemplifies the latent demand that most community pools cannot accommodate. Increasing the size of the community pool can achieve the multi-use scenario, and the addition of bulkheads (for 50m and 33.3m pools) and moveable floors (for most pools) enables the pool to have a flexibility to meet most demands. Studies by Sport England and Swim England have demonstrated that the larger and more flexible a pool is the more sustainable it is. A 50-metre x 8-lane swimming pool with a bulkhead can provide two 25-metre swimming pools, which enables programming that can accommodate recreational swimming, fitness swimming, swimming lessons and swimming club sessions all at the same time. The addition of one or two moveable floors also means that the pool depth can also meet the

31 requirements of any user set as required shallow for children, deep for adults providing the ultimate flexible and effectively used facility. In this way latent demand is met. Another example of the use of moveable floors to enhance flexibility in swimming pool provision is where it is desirable to have a larger community pool, a learner pool and diving facilities. By having a diving pool that meets FINA Rules diving pool dimensions with a moveable floor it can double as the facilities learner pool for all age ranges. As learner pools are traditionally at peak demand during the day and particularly between 3.30pm and 6.30pm and diving pools are required for club use mostly in the evenings this configuration is complementary to both activities peak demand times and the pool has maximum use. There is also the added advantage that this increases the use of the learner/diving pool for use as a high level synchronised swimming training pool. Teaching/Learning Initially this is straightforward; it s a pool where swimming is taught. However nothing is that simple. Teaching adults and children require different depth configurations and this is why swimming pool complexes often have a shallow water learner pool specifically for teaching small children. It must not be forgotten that most people tend to swim in straight lines, especially when learning and that learning to swim also involves the teaching of other water skills such as floating, submerging, maneuvering and breathing. Teaching children generally the most beneficial water space is a rectangular pool with distance dimensions within the ability of small children to attain for example a minimum of 10-metres by 10-metres with a depth of between 0.75metres to 0.9-metres. Most children between the ages of 3½ and 5 years of age can comfortably stand in these depths but there is also sufficient depth for a child of that age to swim. A teaching pool also benefits from the addition of wide shallow steps for entry, which also enables the youngest children to enter to a water depth they feel comfortable with and practice swimming exercises at shallower depths. There would be no need for pool bottom lane markings unless the pool is multi-purpose and is to be used as a training pool or swim down pool. Teaching adults adults require a greater depth of water to learn to swim in because if the water is too shallow and they have poor buoyancy their legs and feet could drag on the pool

32 bottom or impact with the pool bottom on the leg kick. Generally the most beneficial water space is rectangular with slightly greater distance dimensions than for children say minimum of 10-metres by 20-metres with a depth range from 1-metre to 1.5-metres. Adults of any age range can stand in these depths but can swim without impediment As both children and adults improve in ability the distances that they need to attain should be increased to ensure competency. In the initial stages a distance of 25-metres is perceived as a landmark and is conveniently half of the minimum competitive swim distance of 50- metres. As the measure of swimming competency is certainly more than 25-metres the need to eventually swim in excess of 25-metre distances is essential. It can be seen that with the installation of a variable depth moveable floor the same teaching pool can be used for both adults and children. Swimming lessons are a significant income generating activity and therefore should have some influence on the size and configuration of a teaching pool. A teaching pool for the smaller children should be capable of accommodating one or two classes of children with class sizes of up to Therefore a sensible and fit for purpose teaching pool for small children should be at a minimum 10-metres x 8-metres (1 class) or 10-metres x 15metres (2 classes). The swimming pool complex design sometimes dictates the dimensions of the teaching pool as it is often placed at the shallow end of the main pool. In this case its length is usually equivalent to the width of the main pool; so when sharing a pool hall with a 25-metre eight lane pool with a width of 17-metres, the length of the teaching pool may also be 17-metres. Conversely it is often an advantage to have a teaching pool in a separate area to the main pool so there is less distraction and less danger of non-swimming children straying into deeper water The size of a teaching pool for larger children and adults would depend on the calculated demand of the geographic and demographic area the pool serves. Pool dimensions from 20- metres in length to 50-metres can simultaneously accommodate swimming lessons from beginners through to more advanced lessons and the only difference is that the larger the pool the more classes it can accommodate at any one time, and/or it permits multi-activity use. Recreational Swimming Recreational swimming is unstructured and to an extent un-programmed. Some lane ropes may be fitted for swimmers who prefer to swim in lanes and are erring towards a fitness swimming regime and within those lanes there may be some control of the swimming process i.e. swimming clockwise in the lane, fast, medium and slow lanes with managed lane

33 etiquette. For the rest of the swimming area there is a variety of swimmers and swimming abilities, many swimmers stand about chatting, some swim width ways others will be holding the side of the pool doing modest exercises to combat arthritis. Children will be shouting and splashing. Apart from the lane swimmers there is little need for a conventionally shaped rectangular pool as most of these activities can take place in a pool of any configuration. It is for this type of un-programmed activity that free-form leisure pools were devised. Obviously designed to imitate Mediterranean beach experiences they are not really useful for any form of serious swimming activity. Indeed with the addition of waterslides, wave machines and rapids such leisure pools positively inhibit swimming as an activity and reduce the water area to primarily a play function. The configuration of a pool for recreational swimming is therefore extremely flexible in concept, as it does not need to meet any specific swimming requirements. Generally leisure pools are shallow, often with beach walk in areas. Their size is determined by demand so a leisure pool in a hotel or private club may only be small e.g. 10- metres x 5-metres and they require no lane markings. Even in the largest hotels resident swimmers rarely exceed a dozen at any one time. Larger leisure pools in holiday camps and a few provided by local authorities are designed to meet a high demand and usage and can often be very large and cover areas over 1,000m². The first water slides that used to debouch into the main pool required deeper water beneath the exit chute but now it is preferential for water slides to run out into separate channels away from the main pool for obvious health and safety reasons. Wave machines require a pool depth at their inlet point of 2-metres plus but rapids are usually no more than 1-metre deep and 2-metres wide. Obviously very little conventional swimming is accomplished in a free-form leisure pool. However they are extremely popular at weekends and when on holiday but they are often underused on weekdays especially during school terms. They do attract irregular pool users and can be a conduit to more regular attendance at conventional swimming pools. Fitness Training Pool One of the primary reasons people swim is to maintain their fitness. This is usually achieved by a vigorous session of lane swimming in the swimmers stroke of choice and at a speed

34 they find comfortable for their age and ability. A successful fitness swimming session would therefore need adequate swimming lanes in a pool of sufficient length with a variety of pool depths. These configurations can be identified thus: Lane lengths of 20-metres, 25-metres, 33.3-metres and 50-metres with water depths varying from 1-metre to 2-metres; obviously less able swimmers will prefer to swim in shallow water and swim lesser distances between turns and possible stops. Free-form leisure pools are not suitable for fitness swimming but conventional rectangular pools are eminently suitable. An arrangement where a rectangular pool is divided into lanes available for different abilities is therefore pretty standard. The lanes would be identified as fast, medium and slow and possible there would be designated lanes for specific strokes as for example mixing backstroke swimmers and front stroke swimmers does have problems! Exercise in Water Pool Exercise in water is a popular fitness training technique that involves undertaking standing exercise in water rather than swimming. The additional benefit of the water resistance against the muscles movements coupled with the buoyancy and support to the body provided by the water makes this a beneficial and safe form of exercise. Standing exercise classes can be undertaken in water depths of between 1-metre and 1-3- metres depending on the height of the swimmer. So a pool with a gradient is useful to position participants correctly. There is a less popular exercise in water class in deeper non-standing depth water. So depending on the numbers in an exercise in water class an area of approximately 8-metres

35 by 8-metres with a depth varying between 1.5-metres and 2-metres is most accommodating (class size approximately 16. Adult and Child Classes Adult and Child classes are designed to make babies and their parent s water confident. There is no requirement to provide a pool in which the parents can swim and as the parents are often holding the child and walking in the water it can be inconvenient for the water to be too shallow. These types of classes can be undertaken in water depth varying from 0.5- metres to 1.3-metres and the area required is dependent upon the class size and parent/child:teacher ratio. A significant issue is the pool water temperature, which should be at the top of the recommended range (30 C). Obviously it is particularly costly to have to raise the temperature of a large swimming pool to this level and smaller pools with quieter surroundings are often more beneficial for this type of activity Basic Sub-Aqua Training Sub-Aqua is a non-competitive recreational sport generally undertaken in off-shore areas and deep lakes (15-metres plus). It is a dangerous activity that requires a high level of skill and training to be undertaken safely. The objective of sub-aqua training is to eventually enable sub-aqua swimmers to descend to depths of metres safely. However, it is usual for the training bodies BSAC and PADI to undertake basic training in shallow open water training areas or swimming pools where buoyancy, breathing techniques, equipment usage and familiarisation are perfected. No swimming pools are designed and built with depths normally required for advanced subaqua diving but obviously deeper swimming pools are more preferable to train in. However a minimum depth of 1.8-metres will permit the basic training techniques to be achieved.

36 Pools designed for platform and springboard diving with depths in excess of 3.5-metres are obviously attractive to sub-aqua divers. Basic Canoe Training Swimming pools provide a superb resource for introducing people to paddle sports and give the opportunity for paddlers to develop their skills and experience in a safe and easily managed environment, unaffected by seasonal weather conditions. The size and configuration of the swimming pool will determine how many canoes can be accommodated at any one time in the water and it is obvious that learner pools are generally too small for canoe sessions. The smallest pools that can successfully accommodate canoeing are 25-metre x 4-lane pools. Obviously the larger the pool is the more attractive it is for canoeing. The depth of the pool is only critical when undertaking capsize drills and rolls. These skills can be safely learnt in a minimum water depth of 1.8-metres. Hydrotherapy Pool Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic whole-body treatment that involves moving and exercising in water physiotherapy in a pool. Hydrotherapy pools are usually different from ordinary pools; the temperature, pressure and movement of water is controlled and changed according to who's using the pool, and why. However you could have hydrotherapy in any water or pool as it is a lot to do with movement.

37 Doctors often prescribe a course of hydrotherapy as part of a treatment programme. It is also used by athletes to improve and maintain their general health and fitness, and by others as part of a healthy whole- body routine. The configuration of the pool is dependent on the restrictions of thephysical malady being treated. Because hydrotherapy is not an intense swimming experience specific hydrotherapy pools are not large and are sometimes only suitable for 1 to 1 therapy sessions; hence they can be found in hospitals in small rooms and may only by as small 3m x 3m with a constant depth of 1.2m with easy step or disability hoist access depending on the range of injuries and mobility being treated. A spa pool is not a swimming pool and is more of a bath providing relaxation with hydrotherapeutic properties Disability Use It follows that there are the same hydrotherapeutic benefits for swimmers with disabilities, but swimming for disabled people has a much wider and liberating context than hydrotherapy. For many severely disabled people swimming is an opportunity to experience movement and independence that their disability denies them out of water. The dimensions of these types of pools are not critical but they are rarely very deep (1.3-metres max). Of more import is access and specifically built disability pools will have built-in ramps and mechanical hoists and wide shallow walk-in steps to assist entry and exit. Again temperature is more critical than the average pool and the temperature is usually at the top of the recommended range (30 C). Of course swimmers with disabilities are equally capable of competing at the highest level and these swimmers would use the usual range of competitive swimming pools. Limited Community Use Pool Some swimming pools only provide limited community use because the main raison d etre of the pool precludes a wide-ranging programme. There are two obvious examples of this: