Following on from the Tynwald resolution in January 2023 that DESC and DOI should deliver a costed strategic plan to develop regional sports hubs by October 2023, the Southern Swimming Pool Board is deeply disappointed to learn that such a plan will not be presented at this month’s sitting. The Board is concerned over this delay and the subsequent lack of progress on implementing the recommendations of the Knight, Kavanagh and Page report.

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Although Southern Pool will be supported until Tynwald decides on the strategic plan, such support just enables the current operating schedule. Meanwhile the building and infrastructure continue to deteriorate. The lack of a clear Central Government program and timeline for the building of a replacement swimming pool make management of the pool difficult. Capital expenditure and maintenance decisions are based on uncertainty as the required remaining life of the facility to ensure continuity of pool provision in the south is unknown.

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The Board also regrets that opportunities to create efficiencies through centralisation of certain aspects of the Island’s swimming provision are still being missed.

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The Board expects that the long awaited and deferred strategic review will be completed without further delay. The Board will work with Central Government and the Southern MHKs to ensure that residents in the South of the island have a modern community pool like the other regions.