Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool aiming for large scale revamp

Helmsley Sports And Social Club has had revised plans approved to demolish the pool house at Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool, which has served the facility since shortly after the Duke of Norfolk opened it in 1969, and replace it with a larger, modern changing area, offices and toilets.

Its application states: “The pool house provides minimal changing and toilet facilities, separated for male and female customers, as well as a small reception counter with ancillary refreshment facility. There are no internal showers for customers, who are limited to two external showers at pool side.”

While at the height of outdoor swimming pools’ popularity, there were more than 300 across Britain, particularly in coastal areas, few such facilities remain inland.

Yorkshire’s only 25m heated open air pool underwent refurbishment in 2019, partly funded by the European Agricultural for Rural Development, the North York Moors National Park, Ryedale District Council and Helmsley Town Council.

The funding enabled improvements and repairs to the pool area, but despite its evident popularity during last summer’s heatwave, securing sufficient money to replace the 15.7m by 5.7m timber framed and clad, single-storey building, which the trust says “has long since passed its serviceable life”, has proved challenging.

Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool

The club had stated if sufficient funding could be raised through donations, grants and sales, it was hoped to build the new facilities at Baxtons Sprunt in the national park ahead of the pool reopening again for “affordable swimming” in the spring.

The North York Moors National Park Authority granted planning consent last year to build replacement facilities, but due to funding issues and rising costs of materials, the club has applied for a reduced scheme, primarily omitting the glazed gables.

However, the overall design and appearance of the pool house would be similar to the previous approval.

Ahead of the proposal being approved, a park authority planning officer’s report stated the revised scheme would still be a significant improvement in terms of quality of materials and design and would contribute to the character of the locality.

She added: “Furthermore, these improved facilities would provide improved facilities for the local community.”

The pool operates with just two paid members of staff and relies on volunteers to fill positions such as lifeguards and receptionist.

Helmsley councillor Val Arnold said: “It is excellent for Helmsley that the plans to upgrade it have been approved. We are very lucky to have such a marvellous facility in Helmsley. It is well used by everybody, including tourists.”