Hendy Pool Feasibility Study

Hyder Consulting (UK) Ltd was appointed in 2007 by Hendy Pool Committee (HPC) to assess the viability of re-opening Hendy Pool and to consider possible alternative options for the site.

Background to the Study

Hendy Pool was built and run by a group of volunteers in 1932 and for many years was an important community facility for various age groups, providing the opportunity for local people to socialise and use a recreational facility during the summer months.  In 1983 the Pool was donated by the volunteers to Llanelli Borough Council, who were responsible for running and maintaining the facility and installed the changing rooms. 

Following local government re-organisation in 1996, Carmarthenshire County Council became responsible for the Pool.  However, in 1999 it was felt that the Pool was uneconomical to run, and a decision was made to close it, although this was met by fierce public opposition.  The HPC was formed and ran the Pool in a voluntary capacity under a formal leasing arrangement with the local authority.  However, the condition of the Pool gradually deteriorated, until, in 2002 it was decided to close the facility.  The condition of the Pool is now considered to be beyond economic repair.

Carmarthenshire County Council has offered the Pool to the HPC under a peppercorn lease agreement, with the responsibility for the maintenance, running and liability for the Pool resting with the Committee.  The HPC now wish to consider their options – what is likely to be the most appropriate and financially sustainable community amenity for Hendy for the future?

The principal objective of this study as set out in the brief, is to identify a project which:

§               has the support of the whole community;

§               can generate sufficient funding to enable its construction;

§               can generate sufficient revenue to ensure its long-term success; and

§               is sustainable.

The HPC’s preferred option would be the provision of a new outdoor pool, however, other possibilities including sporting and community facilities may be considered. 

Scope of the Feasibility Study

The scope of the study includes:

§               an assessment of the existing provision of community facilities within and in close proximity to the village of Hendy;

§               consultation with representatives of the local community;

§               establish the range of funding options available for the development options; and

§               assess the management arrangements, staffing and maintenance requirements for the preferred options.

Study Progress

Progress to date has principally revolved around consultations with representatives of the community and with the development and evaluation of options for the Hendy Pool and Park area.  A wide range of clubs, societies, community groups and organisations have been consulted, as to their current views on Hendy Pool, and needs and requirements for the community of Hendy for the future.

An intensive youth consultation exercise was undertaken at the end of 2007 by representatives of Carmarthenshire’s youth service, to ascertain the views and needs of young people in Hendy.  This exercise resulted in a general consensus that Hendy lacked facilities for young people.  

A number of options have arisen as a result of the consultations and have been taken forward for consideration and evaluation.  These options are:

§               New outdoor pool;

§               New indoor pool;

§               New water-based leisure facility (‘Splash Pad’ for younger children);

§               Multi-use community building;

§               Community park;

§               Outdoor sporting facility/astro-turf surface;

§               Skateboard park. 

Next Steps

The above options are now being evaluated against a range of criteria, including the level of community support, likelihood of obtaining funding and revenue implications.  It is likely that two of these options will be taken forward to the outline business plan stage – namely the new outdoor pool (principally because of the high level of community support there is for such a facility), and the Community Park.

A two-day public exhibition is proposed for the near future, at which the preferred option (s) will be presented to the general public for comment and consideration.  This will be followed by the preparation of Draft and Final Reports to the Pool Committee.