Greystoke Pool
Futureproofing the community pool for the next 50 years
Project Information
Project: Greystoke Pool
Client: Greystoke and District District Sports Association
Location: Greystoke, Penrith
Scope: Feasibility, RIBA Stages 0-3
Status: Ongoing
The brief
Greystoke and District Sports Association vision is to continue to serve the local community as a centre of gathering, friendship and sport. As a rural community, there are few places for people to congregate, and the open air pool forms part of a vibrant community network that connects the church, village hall, the school and the pub. It is set within its own recreation grounds on the edge of the historic village centre. Having been actively used since 1973, the long term vision is for the pool to continue into the future for another 50 years.
More information about Greystoke Pool can be found here.
Our Approach
The feasibility study explored a series of options to:
Improve accessibility across the site for all visitors
Decarbonise operations through sustainable design interventions
Reduce energy costs to support long-term financial viability
Reassess how the facility can remain a sustainable community asset for the next 50 years
A range of options were tested, from light-touch improvements to more ambitious interventions, enabling Trustees to balance immediate affordability with long-term benefit. Clear alternative options were presented for key areas of the site, supporting confident decision-making around visitor experience, management and operational implications.
A significant part of the study was looking to reduce the pool’s energy costs. The existing mechanical and electrical systems were analysed and new solutions put forward that decarbonised the site, improved health and safety and reduced the use of chemicals. A new plant room was designed to accommodate the M&E strategy, along with a new canopy to hold solar PVs. Solar PVs were also proposed for the existing roofs.
In addition to reviewing the energy efficiency of the pool, a key aspect of the brief was to create a pool that was accessible to all. The feasibility study proposed the following
Improved stepped access to the pool
New ramp connecting the entrance to the pool facilities
Fully accessible shower and changing facilities
Pool pod to allow for access into the pool
Outcomes & Impact
The feasibility study was 100% grant funded through CEF, which was extended to allow for the exploration of further options. The preferred option was developed for a planning submission which was granted and will form the basis of further grant applications going forward. Via a second grant from CEF, the study also opened up the opportunity to explore the potential for a community energy network, utilising the energy generated from the pool along with the Parish Church (grade II), the village hall and the school (grade II).