Abergavenny lido campaign – study into costs set to start

A study into the costs and feasibility of bringing an open air swimming pool  back to Abergavenny could soon start as a campaign gathers momentum.

Abergavenny Lido Group has ambitious plans to build a heated outdoor pool at Bailey Park and is raising funds to carry out a feasibility study.

A grant application for £1,000 will this week be considered by Abergavenny Town Council’s policy and resources committee.

Around £8,000 has already been raised for the study, which will cost an estimated £25,000.

Campaigners hope to receive the outcome of another, larger funding application in the coming weeks, which would then allow the study to start.

An application for the town council grant says there is “a great deal of enthusiasm” in the community for the project.

“We’ve undertaken a public survey completed by 800+ residents, of whom 97 per cent are in support of the project,” it says.

“At present the priority is to establish the feasibility of the project.

“Once this is done, we will work to secure larger grants from capital funders to achieve our ultimate aim.”

The original pool was open from 1938 until it closed in 1996, and was demolished a decade later.

Jane Smith, secretary at Abergavenny Lido Group, said many people have fond memories of using the pool.

“We just think now is the time to get a lido back in Abergavenny,” Ms Smith said.

“The only other outdoor lido in Wales is in Pontypridd.

“Abergavenny is really up-and-coming as a tourist destination and this would really add to the town’s attractiveness.

“Nowadays people love swimming in the open air. We think it would be hugely successful and popular.”

The feasibility study would assess the economic sustainability of the project and its costs.

The planned lido would be powered by renewable energy and built on the site of the former pool at Bailey Park, which is now a rough patch of ground.

Campaigners say it would offer “a unique leisure experience” for people in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, South East Wales and further afield.

A grant funding application says the lido would also provide a new source of employment and income to the local economy, while bringing additional business to shops, restaurants and hotels.

Monmouthshire County Council previously granted the lido group landowner consent to carry out fundraising activities, such as applying for grants, but said it would be unable to provide further financial support.

A previous estimate said it would cost about £7 million to rebuild the outdoor pool.

Find out more about the campaign here.