Planned geothermal spa in Penzance/ Cornwall reaches fundraising target
Jubillee Pool, Penzance, Cornwall, UK (source: Geothermal Engineering Ltd.)
Alexander Richter
18 Sep 2018
The planned geothermal spa at the sea pool of Penzanca/ Cornwall in England can go ahead after the project secured the main fundraising goal of GBP350k in community funding, while now adding an additional GBP 150k in sought fundraising for additional elements to be set up.
The plans for the UK’s first geothermally heated pool are going to go ahead with the initial fundraising goal reached. The pool will heat water to 35 centigrades by connecting it to a geothermal well being drilled nearby. Visitors will be able to enjoy a section of the pool heated using geothermal energy, while the majority of the pool will maintain its normal bracing temperature.
The listed building received planning consent for their geothermal plans in June 2018.
The pool has now succeeded in raising the minimum community investment target of GBP 350k ($450k), but is now setting an additional target of a total of GBP 500k ($650k) before a set deadline of September 30, 2018. With the additional money, the pool hopes to fund revamped disabled access and facilities and refurbishment of the pool’s changing rooms.
Abbie Cranage, Chief Operations officer says: “If we reach GBP 500k we can do even more to ensure this exciting facility is the very best possible experience for one and all, with improved café, community and pool facilities and a visitor experience to match the spectacular Jubilee Pool. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from Cornwall, other parts of the UK and investors overseas who visit Cornwall and love Jubilee Pool.”
For fans of the pool and lido-lovers worldwide this could see even more enhanced facilities such as warm and comfortable indoor showers, further refurbished modern toilet facilities, changing rooms and lockers. We also hope that additional funds will enable us to revamp disabled access and facilities.
Jubilee Pool Director Susan Stuart says “The additional fundraising really is a game changer for the pool and Penzace. This project means people will visit all year around from far and wide and will boost the local economy and help regenerate the town. It also means for us we can borrow less and pay less interest so we can spend our money as efficiently as possible and improve our facilities and service from not just ‘great’ but to ‘excellent’.”
Dave Boyle from the Community Shares Company who’s been advising Jubilee Pool states “We’ve really seen the local community and businesses get behind this campaign. It’s not uncommon to see projects with such potential as this one not only reach their minimum target but reach their optimum targets too. Once people see the project is actually happening and how many others support it, they can see they are investing in a good thing and making a difference!”
Source: Pirate FM, Jubilee Pool
