Plans for the future of the pool.
Plans for the future of the pool.
Disabled Provision (WC, Change and Shower) - done in 2009
We have secured funding from the Awards for all lottery funds for the first phase of this, providing changing and toilet facilities and a ramp for easier access to the pool, for disabled and less mobile customers. In 2007, the Town Council provided additional funds for maintenance and upgrading of basic facilities.
Pool Copings and Paving - done in 2011
The existing pool coping varies in nature from coarse older edging that can be abrasive, to areas of smooth replacement copings that can be slippery when wet. The paving surrounding the pool is 'tired' and constantly needs maintenance and is subject to displacement.
The proposal is to replace the existing concrete slabs with a surface less prone to tripping and which needs less maintenance. This could be a rubberised surface, or slabs similar to the existing, but with a better and more stable sub-stratum.
The pool is to be edged with replacement copings that are anti-slip on the top surface, smooth on the edge and indicate the pool edge clearly for visually impaired visitors.
Plant Replacement
Currently the existing filtration system and pump machinery requires continual maintenance and has a long turn-around time for filtration (approximately in excess of 13 hours).
The failure of the plant equipment has caused the Pool to close during open season, disappointing visitors and reducing revenue. New plant would bring up-to-date filtration standards turning water over in approximately 4 to 6 hours. This would allow longer opening hours, but would require a larger space and replacement supply pipework.
The proposal is for the plant room to be relocated nearer the family change/paddling pool (see 4.06). Consideration should also be given to incorporating solar heating to take the 'chill' off the cold-spring feed for the pool and showers.
Pool Lining - mosaics replaced 2011
The current pool lining requires patching and painting and the mosaic tiles need to be replaced.
The following lining alternatives have been investigated:
• repairing and painting the tank, and tile replacement where necessary
• GRP type lining
• stainless steel lining.
Kiosk, Entry Systems and Park Café - planned for 2014
The kiosk at the Pool entry provides admission to the Pool and the sale of refreshments to Pool users and the general public that pass by to use the adjacent park.
The current kiosk is small and cramped. There is the opportunity to enlarge and modify the kiosk to improve the catering facilities and rationalize functionality.
Amending the kiosk to introduce a café that served the park could provide a 'shared vision' with Lewes Town Council that extends the scope of the vision and contributes to the wider area, local community and improves funding potential.
A park café would attract more visitors to the Pells Pool area and diversify the activities and facilities available as well as improving the relationship with the park and could be key for additional revenue generation.
Paddling Pool and Family Facilities -
The area to the north of the paddling pool is harsh and under-utilised. The regeneration of Pells Pool provides an opportunity to provide enhanced family facilities, such as toilets, change and baby-change, next to the grassed family area and paddling pool.
Consideration has also been given to upgrading the paddling pool by replacing it with a more imaginative beach-style pool suitable for toddlers, and to making improvements to the surrounding landscape by providing softer surfaces, seating and shade.
This area could also incorporate the new plant, additional storage and a lifeguard rest area
Changing Area and All Year Round Activities
The changing areas behind the terraces need to be made safe and completely modernised. In addition, the redundant area beyond the existing changing facilities could be incorporated to provide indoor space available for hire throughout the year, as well as new changing facilities, additional toilets, showers, disabled provision, reception and a sun terrace cafe.
This new building could be used throughout the year and could thus provide the potential to cross-subsidise the outdoor pool with an additional revenue stream in and out of the pool season.
This enlarged space could be used for activities which would appeal to the whole community, such as:
• yoga / pilates
• sauna / spa
• therapy room(s)
• gallery space
• creche
• catering facilities
• restaurant with sun terrace
• private hire.
Boundaries and Security
Vandalism is a constant problem with people climbing easily over the perimeter walls and damaging the pool and its facilities once inside.
The problem of the open perimeter along the tow path and park edge needs a sensitive solution which respects the appearance of the flint walls and the general character of the area. Security needs to be increased whilst maintaining a comfortable atmosphere inside the pool area.
Our proposal is for railings over the flint wall that pick up on the style of metalwork inside which could be adorned with flags to announce that the pool is open and attract the public to its facilities.
Vision Summary
This document provides the first step to creating and realising a sustainable and achievable 'vision' for Pells Pool Community Association and visitors to the pool.
A table follows which summarises the options for implemention and fund allocation.
Key to Vision Elements
1. Disabled WC, change and shower provision (now completed)
2. Replacement pool copings and paving
3. New plant and filtration
4. Improved pool lining
5. Kiosk, entry system improvements and park café
6. Paddling pool and family facilities
7. Upgraded changing area and all-year-round community space
8. Boundaries and improved security