Our Flagship Project: The Pool
Before it was Runcorn Swimming Pool, it was the town’s original Market Hall — a place where people met, traded and built community.
Now, we’re bringing it full circle. The Pool is set to become a flexible, community-owned space, for markets, events, and local enterprise, shaped by the people of Runcorn.
A statement from Halton Borough Council:
“Halton Borough Council closed the swimming pool in 2020. Not finding another organisation interested to run the pool, the Council considered selling the building. However, given the long-established community use of the building, the important local heritage aspect of the original market hall, and the town centre location, it was considered worthwhile to explore alternative uses.
In 2024 a group of residents came forward with ideas for the building. Subsequently the Council decided allowing time for the group to develop a proposal for repurposing the building. Capacity support was provided to enable setting up an organisation for future management of the building and to develop a business plan.
With the Runcorn Old Town CLT now established, a first step has been taken towards realising the opportunity for the pool to become a well-used and well-loved building in the heart of Runcorn’s community once again.”
— Halton Borough Council
How We Got Here
What’s Next
We don’t want to decide the future of The Pool on our own.
Over the coming months, we’ll be hosting a series of engagement events to hear from the people who know Runcorn best — you. Whether you’d love to see markets, food pop-ups, creative spaces, live music, workshops, or something completely new, we want to hear your ideas.
You can also become a member of the CLT to stay updated every step of the way as this project takes shape. Together, we can make The Pool Runcorn’s go-to meeting place again… a space for everyone, with a new purpose but the same community spirit it’s always had.