Sporting Assets worked with Shoalstone Seawater Pool CIO (SSP) to help secure investment from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Community Ownership Fund (COF) to carry out urgent structural repairs to the pool.

Set in The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, Shoalstone Seawater Pool (SSP), a 53 metre ‘free to use’ seawater swimming pool, is one of only a few tidal pools left in the country. It is built into a natural rock pool that has been popular for bathing since Victorian times. A much-valued community asset and popular with locals and visitors alike, the pool provides a safe and enjoyable place for all. The pool is in urgent need of major structural repair to safeguard this important community asset for future generations.

Torbay is the most deprived local authority in the Southwest, and the pool supports families from some of the country’s most disadvantaged communities. Uniquely, SSP operates a “Dip & Donate” pricing model to ensure that swimming remains accessible to all. The pool remains self-sustaining, run primarily by volunteers, with a full-time operations manager and seasonal lifeguards, supported by additional revenue streams including car park income.

During the summer, the pool attracts up to 500 swimmers per day, primarily families and children. Wild swimming clubs use the pool daily, with up to 30 swimmers each morning year-round. Additionally, the pool hosts schools, community groups, swimming lessons, paddleboarding, kayaking, and various water safety training sessions, including those run by the Fire Service and RNLI.

Sporting Assets were commissioned to support SSP’s application to COF.

Our support included:

• Conducting a strategic needs analysis of the local area;
• Identifying potential sources of match funding;
• Undertaking a skills audit to understand the diversity of skills and experience of the Trust;
• Helping develop the business plan and 5-year financial forecast;
• Assisting with the Trust’s COF application ensuring alignment with the fund criteria; and
• Providing post award support.

Our support enabled SSP to secure a £514,000 COF award for the Structural Repair Project, contributing to the total project cost of £704,000. This follows SSP’s successful ‘Save Shoalstone from the Waves’ fundraising campaign. The work will ensure Shoalstone Pool remains a thriving facility, enjoyed by visitors for generations to come.