Phoenix Centre in Bradwell gets £313,000 government funding

Phoenix Leisure Centre in Bradwell is set to benefit from a slice of the government's £60m Swimming Pool Support Fund.

This follows Great Yarmouth Borough Council's application for the money on behalf of the venue and getting a grant of £313,547.

Previously, in phase one of the fund, the Phoenix was awarded £27,998.

Councillor Daniel Candon, who represents Bradwell North on Great Yarmouth Borough Council. (Image: Submitted)

Borough councillor Daniel Candon, who represents Bradwell North, said: "I very much welcome the news that Phoenix Leisure Centre in Bradwell will benefit from a £313,547 investment. 

"This money will fund energy efficiency measures by upgrading the pool hall windows to triple glazing, improving the pool's energy efficiency, keeping running costs down and giving more people the opportunity to swim whilst reducing our environmental impact," he said.

Last year, people living in Bradwell complained of low temperatures in the pool and showers at the centre on Widgeon Close.

This prompted a visit by Mr Candon who said that residents had told him the waters were too cold for swimming.

By July, all three boilers at the facility had been repaired - and Mr Candon praised staff and council officers for resolving the matter. 

The swimming pool at Phoenix Leisure Centre in Bradwell. (Image: Archant)

Mr Candon added: "This extra money is following a successful grant application to the Swimming Pool Support Fund made by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, which was fully supported by myself, councillor Graham Plant, and councillor Carl Smith.

"We all fully appreciate the benefits that the leisure centre brings to local residents and the wider community," he said.

Freedom Leisure took over the reins at the Phoenix from Sentinel Leisure in January 2022.

The company operates more than 100 leisure, cultural and entertainment venues across the UK, including the Marina Centre on Great Yarmouth seafront.