Two prominent local residents have united to breathe new life into Towan Beach Sea Pool. The well-loved landmark has been the site of great enjoyment to many generations of locals and visitors alike but has fallen into disrepair over recent years. Jon Goodman, Chair of the Central Ward Residents Association and Councillor Louis Gardner, Mayor of Newquay have set up a new Community Interest Company, ‘Friends of Newquay Seapool’ to raise funds and bid for support and a crowdfunding campaign has been started. They are aiming to reach an initial total of £50,000, although they both admit that more money will be required in the long run. They are now calling on the Newquay public to help them in their quest. Their efforts to start this new campaign follow hot on the footsteps of Jon Goodman’s recent success in fundraising to restore the Huers Hut. The hut is now under the ownership and maintenance regime of Newquay Town Council and receives regular thorough maintenance and preservation.

Jon Goodman added:

I always vowed to achieve the restoration of our iconic pool but circumstances surrounding the pool changed recently, although the determination to get it fixed didn't. Having worked with Louis on other projects in recent years, I know that we can achieve this as we work well together and have a similar determination to simply get things done.

The pool is one of many in Cornwall but the neglect it has received is a common occurrence in the county.

We have some great plans for its use in the future with various groups but I truly believe that our town should have this reinstated for future generations to use. Many of us who spent our childhood here as well as those those visiting our amazing town used it whilst growing up.

We are calling on the community of the town and it's visitors to help us with fundraising so that we can all be a part of its restoration

Louis Gardner added:

‘The sea pool is an iconic structure that should never have been allowed to get into the state it is currently in. Jon Goodman and I have pledged our time and resources to try and get this project off the ground. I know that some will say that this has all been tried before but I can honestly say that much has changed since the last attempt to bring the pool back into use. The pool has deteriorated over the past winter to such an extent that we don’t think it will survive another prolonged period of harsh storms, we simply must act now. The last year has shown us how much interest there is in sea swimming with the rise of local groups like Bluetits and others. Residents have contacted me multiple times over the past year asking me to help save the pool and restore it to a condition where children can safely learn to enjoy the benefits of swimming in salt water. Newquay Town Council recently voted to work with us and support us in our aims to get this going. We believe we have identified a contractor who may be able to undertake the work. There are numerous obstacles to overcome but we believe that by working together and engaging the people of Newquay, we can do it.

There are numerous sea pools in use around Cornwall, all under different ownership and management arrangements. Previous attempts to resurrect the pool have all fallen by the wayside and the two campaigners will need support from both Newquay Town Council and Cornwall Council if they are to succeed. Health and safety legislation, insurance and lifeguarding issues have all proven insurmountable in the past but Louis and Jon believe they can be overcome in the same way that they have been elsewhere in the county. Are these the pair that can finally save the sea pool?