​​The work shall commence shortly and last around 12-14 weeks and includes market analysis, stakeholder consultation, designing ‘masterplans’ for the site, indicative capital costs, defining operational parameters, and financial modelling to produce a 10 year outline business plan(s) plus a 25 year projection.

 

Our aim is to present the results to stakeholders - including the community - later in the year as part of our centenary year celebrations to mark the opening of Otley baths in 1924.

 

For more information and a comprehensive project update please continue reading…

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Fundraising History

At the end of 2021, FoOL raised over £60,000 through crowdfunding – this included two significant contributions from Sport England plus strong community backing demonstrated by our 876 unique supporters. Councils, politicians, local businesses, business organisations, press, media, and Alistair Brownlee MBE all contributed to its success through their efforts both publically and behind the scenes.

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When added to our previous fundraising this resulted in approximately £70,000 in the bank - this remains the case (our accounts can be viewed online at Companies House). During crowdfunding we also secured pledges from Otley Town Council, Otley BID, Otley Chamber of Trade and private donors some of which are yet to be drawn down.

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We are grateful to everyone for their support which has enabled the current work to be undertaken.

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Project Review

During crowdfunding we received and accepted several offers of pro-bono work. These not only help to reduce costs but also bring an invaluable wealth of skills, experience and support which the FoOL committee can draw on.

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The offers included a local retired sport and leisure consultant with experience in over 50 swimming pool projects plus a local engineer with over 20 years’ experience in the sport and leisure sector. Both have been instrumental in helping us review the project and refine our approach so it better reflects the strengths and challenges of the site and local area plus the rapidly changing sport and leisure market as a result of a range of factors (e.g. Covid-19, energy costs, cost of living crisis, changing trends, large cost increases for construction projects, etc.).

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Previous concepts were of considerable scale and scope and utilised new build construction. Options with a reduced scale and scope were ruled out on the basis they were unlikely to be viable. However, our review suggests this was premature. Whilst reviews such as this are time consuming they are part of our due diligence processes to ensure we are spending community funds in the best possible ways.

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As a result, the upcoming work shall review the previous concepts in addition to examining options with a reduced scale and scope.

However, the core drivers of the project remain unchanged - bringing the site back into community use and providing a heated swimming pool (and associated infrastructure) supported by facilities that complement the pool, location, and town.

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It is envisaged that options with a reduced scale and scope:

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• Increase the feasibility of the project

• Are not likely to compromise the viability of the project

• Maximise the possibility to renovate and utilise the existing buildings (subject to surveys and suitability) reducing capital costs, increasing sustainability, reducing timescales, etc.

• Still deliver the core benefits of bringing the site back into community use plus a swimming facility

• Respect and reduce the impact of the challenges associated with the site (e.g. size, the culvert running underneath, flooding, parking, traffic, etc.)

• Reduce potential opposition to the project and simplify planning permission

• Maximise the site’s inherent pros whilst simultaneously minimising its cons

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Our review has convinced us this is a positive change in our approach and we have received positive feedback from a number of stakeholders.

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Leeds City Council – Review of the Site

Leeds City Council has been reviewing its portfolio and in September 2023 we were informed of its intention to undertake a review of the lido site. Whilst this news and the timing were frustrating we understood the council’s need to exercise due diligence in respect of a community asset particularly in light of the time that had elapsed and the changing context in the intervening years.

 

Rather than worry our stakeholders (including our cherished supporters) and in order to minimise any potential damage to our excellent relationship with Leeds City Council we felt it better this process played out in private rather than in the public domain.  Unfortunately, this took longer than both the council and FoOL were anticipating. Please accept our apologies for the lack of updates over the last few months. We hope you can understand the reasons for this!

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We are grateful to our ward councillor’s (Cllrs Colin Campbell, Ryk Downes and Sandy Lay) for their assistance and also to Leeds City Council, Otley Town Council, their respective leaders Cllrs James Lewis and Richard Hughes, and elected members for their continued support.

 

We have worked tirelessly over a number of years to gain support across the political spectrum. In addition to Leeds City and Otley Town councils and councillors, we are also grateful to Alex Sobel MP (Leeds North West), Rachel Reeves MP (Leeds West), Baroness Blake and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin for their continued support.

 

With recent local elections and an upcoming general election – which includes boundary changes affecting our constituency and many other local constituencies - please be assured that whatever the outcomes locally and nationally we are an apolitical organisation and shall continue to engage elected officials whatever their political colour in order to gain and maintain their support so we can progress our project and bring benefits for our community.

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Commissioning of a Leisure Consultant to Undertake Feasibility Study & Business Planning

Subsequent to the project review, the retired sport and leisure consultant was able to advise us on the next steps and articulate our requirements in an outline brief. The outline brief and accompanying notes were the basis for us to seek proposals in July 2023 for the initial stage of a feasibility study and outline business planning to be undertaken by a sport and leisure consultant with the support of an architect. We received a number of excellent proposals in September 2023 and undertook a thorough review and evaluation of all the proposals received.

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However, during the evaluation process Leeds City Council conveyed its intention to undertake the review of the site. Our committee felt the correct approach was to progress as many things as possible in the interim so the project could resume and make immediate progress subject to a positive outcome from the council’s review. However, we did not feel it ethical or prudent to commit significant community funds in light of the uncertainty.

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We completed the evaluation process and selected a sport and leisure consultant and architect. We were delighted that our first choice - FMG partnered with Saunders Boston Architects - was understanding of the situation and agreed to be appointed in September 2023 subject to a positive outcome from the council’s review. Both have being very understanding of the situation and this has only reinforced our opinion of their suitability.

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FMG & Saunders Boston Architects

We are delighted to announce the appointment of sport and leisure consultancy FMG (www.fmgconsulting.co.uk) partnered with Saunders Boston Architects (www.saundersboston.co.uk) to undertake an initial feasibility study and outline business planning.

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Both companies are highly regarded and experienced in the sport and leisure sector including projects supported by Sport England. Indeed, FMG are a Sport England framework provider. Consultants Darren Lamb and Tim Mills have decades of senior management experience in the sport and leisure sector including working in both the local authority and private sectors. Additionally, both have extensive hands-on operational experience to draw on - so they know what works (and what doesn’t!) in the real world. This is critical to creating a viable and sustainable business.

More information on Darren and Tim can be viewed at www.fmgconsulting.co.uk/?page=team

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Nathan Swift - Director at Saunders Boston Architects - has gained a particular specialism within the Sport & Leisure sector and shall work alongside Darren and Tim. Nathan shall provide architectural input and produce ‘masterplans’ for the site which maximise functionality whilst respecting its location within both the Conservation Area and Flood Zone 3.

More information on Nathan can be viewed at www.saundersboston.co.uk/team/view,nathan-swift_13.htm

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Crucially, both companies – plus Darren, Tim and Nathan - have significant experience with pools and lidos. Equally important, they have demonstrated an understanding of the specific challenges faced by community projects and have experience in partnering community groups to deliver pragmatic solutions in consultation with multiple stakeholders.

 

By appointing highly regarded and recognised names in the sport and leisure sector, FoOL and our stakeholders can be confident the resulting work has been conducted to the relevant industry standards by experienced professionals using the latest insights and data. This is critical to both maximising the impact of the work and in demonstrating our rigorous and credible approach to stakeholders and potential funders.

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Initial Feasibility Study & Outline Business Planning

We had a ‘kick off’ meeting with Darren, Tim and Nathan earlier this week and the work shall commence shortly with an expected duration of 12-14 weeks. This includes:

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• Market analysis – identifying and quantifying supply and demand for the potential facilities and activities on the site

• Stakeholder consultation – understanding the needs and expectations of multiple stakeholders including our community and Wharfemeadows Bowling Club whom shall continue to have its 'home' on the site

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These can then inform and support the development of:

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• ‘Masterplan’(s) for the site - conceptual designs for the site including identification of the facilities and layout (‘block sketches’ initially for a cost effective solution)

• Operational parameters - how the business and site shall function - e.g. governance, management and staffing, daily timetables (e.g. opening hours, types of activities / classes, etc.), pool temperatures, pricing structures, etc.

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FMG, Saunders Boston Architects and FoOL envisage a number of ‘masterplans’ - each shall be supported by:

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• Indicative capital cost

• Outline business plan – financial modelling to produce a 10 year business plan identifying and quantifying income and expenditure plus a 25 year financial projection

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It is important to note that whilst FoOL has specified the work to be carried out in the outline brief, FMG shall commence by reviewing our work to date and the desired outcomes of the work to be undertaken. If any ‘gaps’ are identified these shall be addressed by amending the brief. Similarly, FoOL has summarised the results of our project review and our broad aims but FMG shall also consider any and all alternatives in order to maximise the feasibility, viability and benefits of the project.

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In regards to the provision of facilities we remain open-minded, flexible and shall be evidence-led. FMG shall investigate the options with a primary focus on a heated pool and identify other facilities to complement this from both operational and financial perspectives. We envisage this shall include consideration of:

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• Pool(s)

• Supporting infrastructure (e.g. heating and filtration systems, changing, showers, toilets, storage areas, reception, office, etc.)

• Wet play area

• Outdoor seating and lounging areas

• Viewing gallery and/or balcony

• Sauna and/or spa

• Café

• Shop

• Community room(s) and/or multi-purpose room(s)

• Gym and/or fitness room and/or studio

• Restaurant and/or bar

• Any other facilities that complement the lido, location and town

 

In addition we are also committed to:

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• Wharfemeadows Bowling Club – delivering a ‘home’ through consultation with the club and Leeds City Council

• Improving the toilet provision in Wharfemeadows Park

 

We also hope to benefit from FMG’s and Saunders Boston Architects’ experience in project delivery including consideration of the pros and cons of a one-off (‘big bang’) construction versus phased approaches.

 

We anticipate Darren, Tim and Nathan shall support but also challenge thinking around the project and bring new ideas. It is worth highlighting that our priority is to maximise the benefits of the project rather than maximise financial returns. However, the business also needs to be viable and financially sustainable for many years to come.

 

Our aim is to present the results to stakeholders - including the community - later in the year as part of our centenary year celebrations to mark the opening of Otley baths in 1924.

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Otley Riverside Visitor Centre - www.otleyriversidecentre.co.uk

We have always viewed our project as being a catalyst for, and complementary to, wider regeneration of Otley Riverside and the town. Therefore, for a number of years we have engaged with the Houldsworth family in respect of its proposals for the site of the former Otley Cattle Market (the land adjacent to, and incorporating, the Flood Alleviation Scheme and adjacent to the showground).

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FoOL is supportive of the initiative and given the proximity of the two sites and the synergies between the projects we shall continue to engage with the Houldsworth family as both projects progress our respective plans.

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Future Steps

Leeds City Council has asked us to present our outline business plan(s) later this year. We hope this shall demonstrate not only our progress but also the feasibility of the project and our ability to deliver, in conjunction with the council and other stakeholders, a viable and sustainable business which benefits the community, council and other stakeholders. Alongside this, we shall undertake consultation with our community and other stakeholders.

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Subject to a positive reaction from Leeds City Council and successful stakeholder consultations we shall make any necessary changes and develop one (or more) concepts further. Significant funds shall still be available after completing the current work in order to do this.

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The exact approach adopted shall be informed, and evidence-led, by the results of the initial feasibility study and outline business plan(s) plus the results from consultations with stakeholders. The aim shall be to refine the capital costs and business plan(s) further plus highlight and address other factors which shall impact the project. This is likely to include elements such as:

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• Further exploration with Leeds City Council in respect of the site and other matters under its remit

• Further studies and surveys including:

  • Site investigation works (e.g. structual surveys, ground investigation works, asbestos, etc.)

  • Sustainability

  • Ecological

  • Flood risk

  • Funding

  • Highways and parking

  • Heritage impact assessment

  • Pre-planning

• Progressing one (or more) ‘masterplans’

  • Further architectural input and drawings

  • Engineering input (e.g. structural, mechanical & electrical, etc.)

  • Improved capital costing (e.g. quantity surveyor)

  • Urban design

  • Landscaping

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We shall, of course, continue to provide updates at the appropriate moments.

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Heritage Open Days (September 2024) - www.heritageopendays.org.uk

This year is the centenary of the opening of Otley baths! To mark the occasion we would like to open the site for a day so our community and visitors can experience the heritage aspects of the lido (or ‘baths’ or ‘outdoor pool’ as it was commonly known!). We feel this is a great opportunity to participate in – and will be best served by the support of - the Heritage Open Days scheme which runs annually in September. We’ll provide an update once we have confirmed our participation.