Leventhorpe School considering options including constructing new facility or repurposing building for site of Sawbridgeworth’s closed swimming pool

Leventhorpe School is considering options including repurposing the building or constructing a new facility on the site of Sawbridgeworth’s closed swimming pool.

The doors of Leventhorpe Pool and Gym shut just before Christmas after the withdrawal of Department for Education (DfE) funding meant the school, as owner, could no longer afford to run it.

A campaign had been launched to try to save the much-loved facility, with two petitions garnering more than 6,000 names and Hertford and Stortford Labour MP Josh Dean identifying a funding lifeline from the Government.

But in a blow to campaigners, news came in January that education authority Hertfordshire County Council’s application to the DfE for “exceptional circumstances” funding had been rejected.

A joint statement from Leventhorpe headteacher Malcolm White and Cllr Sarah Hopewell, East Herts Council’s executive member for wellbeing, said they had been working to explore potential alternatives with new commercial partners, but “while two parties initially expressed interest, neither found the site commercially viable for long-term operation”.

The statement, which has been shared with parents of students at the school, continued: “From the latest conditions survey, we know that the building needs significant capital investment to remain operational as a pool and gym.

“Unfortunately, neither the school nor East Herts Council has access to funding to support this work. Additionally, the pool has been operating at a financial loss, presenting further challenges for any potential operator.

“Given these circumstances, we regret to inform you that the pool and gym will not reopen for community use.

“Despite the efforts of the school, Sawbridgeworth Town Council and East Herts Council, no viable alternatives have been found following the withdrawal of the Department for Education’s annual grant. As a result, the joint-use agreement between Leventhorpe and East Herts Council will be terminated.”

The statement went on to say that the school was “undertaking surveys to assess the options for repurposing the existing building or using the footprint of the pool and gym to build a new facility”.

It added: “However, securing funding for a full rebuild will take time and this project may take several years to complete.

“We will take the opportunity in the short term to remodel the gym and changing room areas so that the school can make use of the space as part of our day-to-day activities.”

The statement concluded: “We understand this news is disappointing and we sincerely appreciate the community’s support and patience as we navigate this transition.”