A swimming pool in Cleveland has gained national recognition for its recent restoration. 

The Cleveland Pools Trust has won ‘Restoration project of the Year’ at the Museums and Heritage Awards. The award was presented to some of the team at the annual awards ceremony that celebrates excellence in the heritage sector earlier this week.  

The judges acknowledged the ‘grit and determination’ of everyone involved in the 20-year campaign to save the pools. They also recognised the unique challenges of the site and the exceptional community support and involvement that has made this restoration project possible.  

This recognition follows a challenging few months for the Cleveland Pools after winter floods and ongoing contractual negotiations but coincides with news that works to install the pontoon and Water Source Heat pump, that will heat the pool water, will start week commencing 15th May 2023. 

The first water source heat pump ever to be installed was at Exmouth Leisure centre in Devon last month. As pools across the UK look for better ways to not only save money during the cost-of-living crisis, but also be more environmentally friendly. 

The pontoon will enable pools’ visitors to access the site via the river and reinforces the Trust’s commitment to improving access for the community while encouraging the use of greener travel options. This work means the pools will be able to open for warm water swimming later this year. Tickets for swimming will cost between £4.50 - £6. 

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums and Heritage Awards commented: “What is particularly wonderful about the Museums + Heritage Awards is the vast and varied range of organisations represented on our shortlist – from large, national museums to small, local heritage organisations and everything in between. The Awards provide a rare opportunity to recognise and celebrate the determined, confident, and creative work of our extraordinary sector and are the ultimate stamp of approval." 

Cleveland Pools is the UK’s oldest public outdoor swimming pool. Built in 1815, the site first opened as a river fed pool, and subsequently enjoyed a colourful history through the Victorian era to its heyday in the 1970s until Cleveland Pools eventually closed to swimming in 1984. 

For more information visit www.clevelandpools.org.uk