In the picturesque seaside village of Mumbles in Swansea, a new watersports centre is being considered, along with the possibility of a tidal swimming pool nearby. The proposal has been put forward by the Mumbles Yacht Club, a longstanding institution dating back to the 1930s, which is looking to relocate from its current premises to the foreshore across Mumbles Road.
The planned move involves selling the club’s existing clubhouse to finance the construction of a new facility next to Verdi’s cafe. The new centre aims to not only cater to the needs of the yacht club but also provide a hub for the community, offering a variety of watersports activities to encourage broader participation. The club’s commodore, Richard Woffinden, highlighted the limitations of their current location, including accessibility issues and lack of energy efficiency.
The proposed watersports centre is envisioned to have multiple floors, with amenities such as a gym, boat storage, changing rooms, public toilets, and a Changing Places facility to cater to individuals with disabilities. The project will be structured as a community interest company, with all profits reinvested back into the centre to sustain its operations and community initiatives.
Furthermore, the plans have sparked discussions about the potential inclusion of a seawater swimming pool, adding to the excitement surrounding the project. The club members, along with local businesses and councillors, are enthusiastic about collaborating to create a facility that not only promotes watersports but also serves as a community asset for generations to come.
Although it is still in the early stages, a pre-planning application inquiry is set to be submitted to Swansea Council, followed by detailed planning applications and securing necessary funding. Yacht club member, Kimberley Littlemore, expressed optimism about the proposal, noting positive feedback from the public and a shared enthusiasm for the initiative.
Local councillor, Will Thomas, has championed the idea of a tidal swimming pool adjacent to Verdi’s, linking it to the growing interest in cold-water swimming and health tourism. Collaborative efforts between councillors, local businesses like Verdi’s, and community organisations reflect a shared commitment to enhancing the recreational offerings in Mumbles.
As the project gains momentum, with contributions from Mumbles Community Council and local stakeholders, the vision of a vibrant watersports centre and potentially a unique tidal swimming pool in Mumbles is gradually materialising. The collective support and collaborative spirit underline the community’s eagerness to embrace new opportunities for leisure, recreation, and wellbeing in this scenic coastal setting.