Ponds Forge to re-open in October after bailout by Sheffield City Council

Sheffield City Trust revealed in early August that it would be mothballing the famous site until further notice due to the cost of re-opening during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

But a successful lobbying campaign by the diving, swimming and water polo teams – among others – for the venue to be re-opened was successful and Sheffield City Council confirmed on Wednesday evening that it would be providing sufficient funding to allow the venue to open its doors once again.

The venue will open for October half-term, and the news will be welcomed by the various clubs who use the pool as their base, and by the many hundreds who use the facility recreationally.

Andrew Snelling, chief executive of the Sheffield City Trust, said: “The decision by Sheffield City Council to provide the financial backing to re-open Ponds Forge to the public and elite sport is great news for everyone.

“From day one of the Covid-19 pandemic we have been steadfast in our determination to open all our venues as soon as was feasible, both from a safety and a financial perspective.

“Ponds Forge is an iconic venue for Sheffield, so it was devastating that we couldn’t open it straight away because of financial restrictions caused by major events such as conferences, exhibitions, banquets and major sports events not being allowed to take place.

“However, with the council committing the funding needed to provide us with the ability to open for the general public and for sports teams based at the venue, we couldn’t be more pleased.

“We look forward to welcoming our customers back through the doors and supporting the aquatics clubs ahead of next year’s Olympics.

“The reopening of Ponds Forge will safeguard around 76 jobs.”

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James Mitchinson