West Norfolk Council is exploring the feasibility of building a new standalone swimming pool at Lynnsport instead of knocking down existing facilities.

The authority is in the midst of preparations for a major upgrade of the leisure centre, incorporating a brand new pool to replace the current St James facility.

It originally suggested knocking down existing areas, such as part of the bowls rink, in order to do so.

Now, following significant backlash and detailed discussions with various groups, deputy council leader Simon Ring is looking into a different option.

“With the endorsement of the members working group, I have asked our project team to instead explore the feasibility of building at Lynnsport a new stand-alone eight-lane, 25m pool with learner pool and splash pad, plus potentially other new facilities like padel tennis courts,” he said.

“Alongside this, we would continue investing in maintaining and modernising the existing Lynnsport facilities, though on a phased basis to spread the cost and reduce disruption.”

This news follows recent community engagement around the plans to future-proof sport and leisure facilities in the area.

Cllr Ring said he has taken on board the “very real concerns about the significant and potentially harmful disruption to current Lynnsport users that would be unavoidable with a wholesale redevelopment programme”.

The council has also undertaken detailed work into financial sustainability.

“While the estimated project cost remains the same, it is now clear the additional income generated by the wholesale redevelopment of Lynnsport as originally proposed would not be enough to fully offset the £40million capital borrowing required,” Cllr Ring said.

“Considering people’s feedback and the financial advice, we have looked again at how we could potentially reshape the plans to focus more strongly around people’s priorities and still deliver the key benefits for our communities, though at better value.

“Of course, at this stage no decisions have been made. It will be for full council to make an informed decision on the best way forward for the borough, once this feasibility work is completed.”

There are also plans for an ‘adapted sports hub’ at Lynnsport, designed in partnership with Little Discoverers, Little Miracles and Pelicans Hockey Club.

It would deliver a fully accessible facility with inclusive changing facilities, a sensory room and welcoming areas for children, adults and families of all abilities.

Simon Rose, chair of West Norfolk Swimming Club, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the borough council is looking afresh at plans to replace St James Pool.

“We believe that the facilities now being scoped are what the borough needs and the community deserves. As a club, we are excited about the amazing opportunities that a modern aquatics facility would create.

“The prospect of such a swimming space is not only exciting for club swimming, but for learn-to-swim programmes and public swim sessions, ensuring that swimming remains accessible and enjoyable for all.

“The inclusion of a dedicated splash zone for families with young children is a fantastic addition, which would make the centre truly inclusive and appealing to all generations.

“We are confident our members and supporters will be fully behind this new proposal, recognising the immense value this new centre will bring to health, wellbeing, and opportunities for everyone in the borough.”

Charles Lankfer, president of the Pelicans, added: “The adapted sports hub exists because we recognised a significant gap in adapted and disability-friendly sports facilities in West Norfolk, where many individuals and families were unable to access regular, safe, and inclusive sporting opportunities.

“Our vision is rooted in the belief that sport is a fundamental right – not a privilege – and that everyone deserves the chance to be active, feel included, and flourish within their community.

“The hub at Lynnsport will provide specialist spaces that respond to the diverse needs of users, from adaptive equipment and sensory-friendly areas to coaching and community-driven programmes that enable meaningful participation.”