Narberth Swimming Pool Launches Major Fundraising Drive to Secure Its Future --
Narberth Swimming Pool, operated by community charity Swim Narberth CIO, has announced a major fundraising drive as part of a significant sustainability and improvement project aimed at securing the long-term future of the much-loved community facility.
The pool, which was saved from permanent closure in 2014 following a huge community fundraising effort, now supports more than 500 children and 1,000 adults every week. It provides swimming lessons, school sessions, inclusive and disability-friendly swimming, and health and wellbeing activities for people of all ages across Narberth and the wider Pembrokeshire area.
Swim Narberth CIO is currently working towards a £338,000 capital improvement project, designed to future-proof the building and reduce its environmental and financial impact. The project includes replacing the pool’s ageing roof, installing a modern high-efficiency air-handling system, and upgrading the existing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
Chair of Trustees Chris Walters explained that replacing the roof is a critical and long-overdue element of the works.
“The roof was never fully completed when the charity took over the pool in 2014, and over time it has developed leaks that are now causing us a range of operational and maintenance issues. Replacing it is essential to protect the building, reduce heat loss and prevent further deterioration.”
The charity has applied to the Welsh Government Community Facilities Programme for £300,000 towards the works and must raise approximately £40,000 in match funding to unlock the grant.
Chris said the opportunity represents the culmination of more than five years of waiting for a significant grant scheme, much of which was delayed by the impact of the Covid pandemic.
“We’ve been waiting a long time for a funding opportunity of this scale,” he said. “During that period, we’ve focused on stabilising the pool, increasing participation and raising standards wherever possible. Winning a recent Swim Wales Award, and being the only swimming pool in Pembrokeshire to hold the Swim Wales Learn to Swim accreditation, has without doubt cemented Narberth’s place as an important swimming and community facility within Wales. However, awards and accreditations alone don’t fix ageing infrastructure, and community fundraising alone can’t meet costs of this scale — government support is essential if we’re going to protect this asset.”
Alongside the grant application, Swim Narberth CIO has currently launching an intensive fundraising programme, with a limited timeframe to secure the required match funding. A wide range of fundraising events and initiatives are currently being planned, led by Pool Manager Alice Brumby-Jones, who is coordinating efforts on behalf of the charity.
“We’re approaching businesses both locally and nationally to ask for support,” Chris said. “We know times are tough, but we’re confident there are organisations who value community wellbeing and would like to be part of securing the future of a facility like this.”
Businesses or individuals interested in sponsorship are encouraged to contact chris@swimnarberth.co.uk or alice@swimnarberth.co.uk. In return for support, the charity says it is keen to give something back, including recognition and community engagement opportunities.
“And for anyone with slightly deeper pockets,” Chris added with a smile, “we’re offering a free company swim session for around 25 employees in return for a minimum donation of around £1,000 — a great team-building opportunity while supporting a vital local facility.”
The planned improvements are expected to reduce the pool’s energy use by over 30%, cut carbon emissions significantly, and lower long-term running costs, helping to keep swimming affordable and accessible in a rural area where alternatives are limited.
Chris also stressed the importance of community involvement once again.
“We’re really hoping the same level of community effort that saved the pool back in 2014 can be matched again in 2026. Without that collective support, and without investment in the building itself, there is a real risk that this much-loved asset will become increasingly difficult to sustain and operate in the years ahead.”
Swim Narberth CIO will be sharing regular updates on fundraising activities and project progress in the coming weeks and is encouraging the community to get involved wherever possible. Anyone wishing to follow the journey, share updates or support upcoming events is encouraged to visit the charity’s Facebook page at facebook.com/swimnarberth.
Those who would like to contribute financially, even with a small donation, can also support the project via the charity’s GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/447a446d7.