The Pendennis Leisure group which created a crowdfunder and worked with the Falmouth Town Council (FTC) to secure that the Pendennis Headland was sold to Falmouth for £1 has shared another update.

After thanking the whole local community as well as both the Town and Cornwall Council for getting the deal done, Pendennis Leisure made it clear that the real work starts here even though they have completed their first aim of protecting the headland from unwanted development.

Pendennis Leisure's next target is to now re-open the swimming pool/leisure centre, they explained their plans going forward into next year:

"Falmouth Town Council will be looking to lease the Ships and Castles site, including the car park, to Pendennis Leisure in Spring 2023.

"Our priority at the moment is developing fully costed refurb plans so we can agree the lease with FTC and pursue public funding. It has been brilliant getting back in touch with the original design team as well as working with surveyors and architects - we look forward to showing you how plans are progressing next month.

"We also are focusing on any viable options for part opening / interim uses in the short term (our 'meanwhile' plan) whilst the pool plans are being developed. As per the previous post, we cannot open the swimming pool as it is-it is neither affordable nor sustainable."

When estimating the cost, Pedennis Leisure has said that the initial work needed would cost around £6 million which may sound a lot but it's predicted to build a brand new equivalent pool would cost between £15 - £20 million.

The group says they showed these initial plans to Cherilyn Mackrory MP and now want those supporting them to write to their MP and ask her to commit to securing Levelling Up funding to refurbish Ships & Castles and create a 25m pool. ([email protected] )

Starting early next year Pendennis Leisure will be holding community meetings on the following dates to keep engaged with the community, to share ideas, and to let everybody know how the project is going.

Pendennis Leisure Community Meetings:

Monday 16th January 2023

Tuesday 21st March 2023

Wednesday 24th May 2023

Time/venue TBC.