Yorkshire Swim - Community-Based Outdoor Swimming and Wellness Centre
Yorkshire Swim have a clear vision: “Provide a healthier, more connected communities where everyone can enjoy the benefits of nature and swimming in a safe, accessible, and sustainable environment.”
They whole heartedly understand the socio-economic and health challenges Bradford is faced with, with Bradford ranked as the 13th most deprived and disadvantaged City nationally.
Yorkshire Swim Works is a Community Interest Company established in 2022 and are keen to build a naturally filtered 50 meter outdoor swimming pool, sauna pods, eco lodges and a Café in St Ives Regional Park in Bingley by repurposing Kettlewell Reservoir. This exciting project has received £12,500 from the Local Access Bradford District (LABD) programme to support the preparatory work for this innovative community facility.
“Our goal is to advance community cohesion through an inclusive space serving low-income families, youth, the elderly, people with disabilities, and diverse religious groups. While we faced significant challenges in the beginning, support from LABD, especially, Wendy guiding through the process was instrumental in overcoming these hurdles. We are working to resolve land lease issues with the council to enable smoother operations.”
Further supported by local councillors and MP’s and over 2,300 community members of whom 97% expressed support for this facility. Yorkshire Swim aims to complete the project by 2029 which also coincides with the 100th anniversary for the park. The initiative is expected to create more than 40 full time jobs with an additional 100 seasonal jobs both supporting the local economy and regeneration of the park. The LABD programme is proud to be part of this journey and keen to support this exciting project which will bring a healthy option to the residents of Bradford and District.