Hidden within the former HMS Ganges site, not seen by too many people, there is a beautiful possibly unique indoor swimming pool that was built for the Royal Navy in 1937.  Simple and practical, built to be functional but with an elegant flowing symmetry to the design which can best be described as an architectural gem. 

HMS Ganges

HMS Ganges was the former shore based training establishment for boy sailors who joined the Royal Navy.  It opened in 1905 and finally closed in 1976 having trained tens of thousands of young volunteer recruits who passed through its gates.  From the 1980’s until 1999 it was dedicated as a Police training centre and thereafter hosted ad-hoc training before permanently closing in 2007.

Development Plans

Since 2007 the site has gone into slow decline with all of the buildings falling in to a very poor state of repair as planning applications have developed.  The developers Haylink Ltd, have planning permission in place to build almost 300 new homes plus a mix of amenities including restoration of some of the historic buildings. Generally the development is welcomed and supported by the wider community, however, there has long been an understanding and expectation that the swimming pool would be retained and restored as part of the modernisation of the site.

Developer Amended Planning Permission

In August 2020, through a Facebook post, the wider community became aware that the swimming pool was to be demolished.  An amendment to the planning permissions from the developer had been approved on 15th April 2019 allowing them to demolish the swimming pool. Shotley Parish Council wrote to the developer in August asking that they reconsider the decision to demolish the building.  In the reply from the developer to Shotley Parish Council received on 19th September 2020 they stated that:

"We have the consent to demolish the swimming pool building and absolutely do not wish to restore it”. 

So as it stands the future of the building is perilous; the developer could demolish it at any time! 

So why should the swimming pool be saved you may ask?

Put simply it is a fabulous building with the potential to be a truly outstanding facility for the local community, the region and the country providing a lasting legacy for current and future generations.    It would provide a fitting vibrant living memorial to the young sailors who spent many hours training within the building, and for those who have sadly passed.  At a time when the national government is promoting health and well-being, what a beacon of light it would be if saved and refurbished and what a tragedy if it is allowed to be demolished.  What and attractive proposition and draw it would be for future residents to have a facility like this on the door steps of their new homes.

As you read this time is critical, with each passing day the pool is one day closer to being demolished, if it is to be saved we must act now.

Please Support The Petition

I ask that you support and sign this petition to: 

STOP THE HMS GANGES SWIMMING POOL FROM BEING DEMOLISHED. 

By supporting this petition collectively we will send a strong clear message to Parish, County and District Councillors as well as local Members of Parliament that the historic swimming pool at HMS Ganges must not be demolished and must be saved.

Please share this petition with those who would like to save the swimming pool.

Thank you for your support