Sport England has announced that more than 100 local authorities across England have received funding from the UK government's Swimming Pool Support Fund to help them keep public pools open in the face of challenging financial pressures.

Alessandro Fochi, UK export manager, Myrtha Pools comments:

“The news brings some clarity to the funding announced by the government in the Spring Budget. It is also a vote of confidence for renovation, with some councils and leisure centres struggling to simply operate in the current economic climate, let alone invest funds in brand new offerings. Modular, off-site techniques allow leisure centres to make improvements to the core shell of pool, such as its sides and flooring, while providing immediate energy savings.

“The conversation around energy also brings wider onus on the role collaboration can play in helping our leisure centres to thrive. We recently hosted an industry roundtable, which focused on the core need of estate rationalisation. In the Midlands for example, there are some fantastic showcases of combined civic office and leisure offerings, which are maximising public space and driving significant social value to communities. Where possible, we should be looking at how co-location of facilities can create shared benefits, maximising costs for local operators under one roof, while creating combined hubs of leisure and social education.”

Strengthening its credentials in the luxury hotel market, modular pool provider Myrtha Pools has completed the installation of a new outdoor heated pool in Cornwall.

Fowey Hall, part of the Luxury Family Hotels collection, will now benefit from a 18x8m pool this summer, which has been engineered and crafted with Myrtha Pools stainless steel technology.

A vanishing edge filtration system has been added to improve water circulation and quality, with a grey tiled finish enhancing the pool aesthetic.

The new pool forms part of a multi-million-pound refurbishment at Fowey Hall – a Grade II listed establishment – with substantial upgrades having been completed in May. Such upgrades include 20 new contemporary bedrooms, four brand new Bay Suites, which sit atop the renovated spa, and a refreshed outdoor terrace parallel to the new pool.

The pool itself boasts stunning sea views, making Fowey Hall one of the very few luxury hotels on the south Cornish coast to offer this facility.

Kevin Burns, UK business development manager at Myrtha Pools, said: “This is a stunning hotel, that is well-respected in the luxury market.

“The solution we’ve provided has been expertly designed, with ease of care, maintenance and speed of installation all in mind. On top of this, it blends in seamlessly with the stunning views this establishment provides over the great Cornish coastline.

“The world’s leading hotels come to us because they know we can deliver efficient, flexible and smart solutions, that are futureproof for years to come. We’re pleased to consider Fowey Hall among this esteemed list and look forward to seeing the pool in action this summer.”

Nick Walley, general manager at Fowey Hall, said: “What we offer here is a much-loved family retreat in a beautiful part of the country, with an ongoing improvement programme that helps to enhance and retain Fowey Hall’s unique character.

“The new pool will sit alongside an entirely re-landscaped outdoor area, which demonstrates our commitment to ensuring new and existing guests have a fantastic stay with us.
“In time for the summer season, we’re excited for families to experience our new offering at the historic Fowey Hall.”

Built in 1899 as a family home by Sir Charles Hanson, Fowey Hall is located in the harbour town of Fowey on the south Cornish coast.

The new Myrtha Pools solution, which has been designed to LEED, BREEAM and Green Star standards, will provide Fowey Hall with a host of benefits, with the firm’s modular technology offering a 45% smaller carbon footprint than traditional methods of construction - which use tile and concrete - and cost savings of up to 20%.

For more information on Myrtha Pools, visit www.myrthapools.com/en/dealers/myrtha-pools-uk