A new sea pool project that will ‘harness the sea’ and make it accessible throughout the year could be supported by Isle of Wight councillors this week.
The policy, finance and resources committee (PFRC) will decide on Thursday whether or not to back, in principle, the Isle of Wight Sea Pool (IWSP), including its construction on council-owned land.
Described as an ‘accessible, sheltered, saltwater gem’, the facility would be built at Yaverland. A favoured location is a 70m stretch of foreshore within the G to H section of the Yaverland Sea Defences, next to Culver Parade.
A PFRC report due to be presented at Thursday’s meeting says:
“In 2023, IWSP contacted the council to explore the concept of developing a sea pool at Yaverland, given its construction would be on council land.
“At the time, the cabinet portfolio holder was supportive of this initiative which was seen to aid regeneration within the Sandown Bay area.
“They (IWSP) have actively engaged with the public and have conducted a survey, the result of which was overwhelmingly in favour of this unique attraction.
“They have received confirmation from Natural England that they would, in-principle have no objection to the proposal. The Environment Agency has also provided both practical and verbal support for the project throughout.”
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IWSP must now seek access to funding, and as a result, it requires agreement in principle from County Hall.
The agreement would be subject to a robust business case, planning permission, formal public consultation and permissions and licensing from relevant regulatory bodies.
Big deal, Kent have had these for years, they are great.
The island should have them all around the island
I’m struggling to see the benefit of building a sea pool here when we’ve already got the biggest and best natural swimming pool right next to it — the sea! Wouldn’t it make more sense to put that money into upgrading the shops, hotels, and facilities in the area instead? Sandown and Yaverland could really do with a bit of love, and that would probably make a much bigger difference in the long run. I also wonder about the ongoing maintenance costs — a man-made pool like this won’t look after itself, and who’s going to foot the bill year after year? I get the idea of making swimming more accessible, but it just feels like we’re trying to reinvent something nature already got right.
Valid points, except seawater is subject to continued pollution whereas seapools can be kept clean. These things matter to tourists, who bring revenue. There are already plans in the pipeline to revamp Sandown, and this is one facility designed to draw attention and private funding/regeneration.
It’s also safer for small children, a necessary consideration as recent studies have shown that as well as tourism having dropped by 26%…the majority of people who do come are couples and singles, not families.
Is the sea not already accessible throughout the year? “Saltwater gem” lol. What a waste of money!
Am I missing the point, isn’t the sea just yards away, consultation, licensing, regulatory bodies, why is it even happening and at what cost?
Nothing would make the public more welcome and appreciated than a bin on each beach, free and clean toilets, and cheap parking.