Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool

WOASPA MODERN: the first step to bring Stanhope Swimming Pool into the 21st century. Stanhope Pool is a heated open air swimming pool in a beautiful setting in Weardale. It has all the normal facilities and in good weather has many customers, both local and visitors, but it does not make a profit. We believe that todays holiday maker would like more than just to swim and play. This development is designed to give more and to be attractive whatever the weather. The design is based on a simple, open conservatory extending along the front of the pool building. It will contain modules to enhance the pool experience. It is proposed to have a modern cafe serving the best coffee and muffins in Weardale. Integrated into the cafe is a soft play area for toddlers. The idea is that parents can sit in comfort whilst their children play, either in the play area or in the toddler pool which is nearby. In the near vicinity will be a wood fired sauna cabin with the unique facility to be opened to provide a warm sitting space within the cafe area. The concept is to give a pleasurable experience, whatever the weather. For future development the conservatory will be large enough to house small exhibitions; for example to link up with local archaeology and conservation sites or to house another soft play area for very young children should the demand be apparent.