Bishop's Castle swimmers back in the water as SpArC's pool reopens

Bishop's Castle has its pool back. The swimming pool at the Bishop's Castle Arts and Leisure Centre, known to everyone as SpArC, reopened to the public on Friday 17 July after a major refurbishment.

The work brought a brand-new pool lining and surround, a full repaint, and new filtration systems and pumps. Essential repairs were made to the building's roof, and new easy-access steps make swimming far more accessible for older people, families with babies and toddlers, and disabled swimmers.

A second phase will replace the centre's ageing oil-fired boiler with an all-electric heating system, cutting carbon emissions by 70 per cent and lowering running costs. The two projects have a total projected cost of £3.93 million, with funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the Community Infrastructure Levy and Shropshire Council's capital repairs budget.

The community played its part too. Trustees of the Bishop's Castle Save the SpArC charity raised £250,000 towards the pool, on top of more than £250,000 already invested in fitness equipment, a café, a pocket park and support for the theatre and arts.

Local councillor Ruth Houghton said it was "wonderful to see our new swimming pool which will serve the local community for many years to come." She noted that the pool was originally built by public subscription and first opened in 1974, adding: "residents in and around Bishop's Castle have stepped up and contributed again."

Having a pool close to home matters in a rural area. Ms Houghton said the project means local primary schools can teach pupils to swim, as the national curriculum requires, without having to travel too far.

She also thanked "individuals, community groups, local businesses and town and parish councils" for support that had been "generous and unwavering during the fundraising campaign." Councillor James Owen, the cabinet member responsible for leisure when the scheme was approved, called it "a significant investment in our community."

Sarah Marston, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for community and environment, described it as a good example of council money, developer contributions, grant funding and community fundraising coming together to make a real difference.

For swimming sessions and opening times, contact SpArC in Bishop's Castle directly or check Shropshire Council's leisure pages.