A new gymnasium is to be set up at Settle Pool helping fulfil the long-term aim to create a facility that is ‘more than just a pool’.

The trustees have agreed to invest around £24,000 in a range of equipment that will be permanently housed in the smaller part of the fitSpace area nearer the pool. The larger section, nearer the carpark, will continue to be used for fitness classes and a wide range of activities including meetings and toddler play sessions.

It is expected that the costs of the new equipment will be recouped within two years maximum and that thereafter income from the gym will help reduce the overall running costs, making the pool more economic to run.

The need for a gym alongside the swimming pool was recognised eight years ago when plans were considered to redevelop the building that was opened in 1975 and was then beginning to show its age. Adding a gym to the building was strongly supported in a survey conducted at that time and is recognised as a good investment at many other public pools across the country.

The eight pieces of equipment, which are due to be delivered in the next few weeks, will be suitable for use both by beginners, who have not used gyms before, and those who train regularly.

A trial and test period will follow the installation of the equipment. It is expected that the official opening will take place later this summer.

Prices for gym membership and offers including use of the gym and pool will follow as will arrangements for induction sessions.

Centre manager Tash Ward said: “We are delighted by this development. It is a further big step forward for us. We hope that as well as offering something more for our regular users, the new facility will help us reach out to groups that want to boost their fitness but have not used the pool to date.”

Treasurer Rosie Sanderson said: “We are now able to make this investment thanks to all the work that has been done over the past few months to put pool finances on a much stronger footing. As well as drawing more people to the pool it will provide an important additional source of revenue. In any event the equipment has a high resale value and could always be sold in the unlikely event that the project does not prove as popular as we hope it will.”

Joint chair of the trustees Chris Hirst said: “All staff, volunteers and trustees continue to look at what we provide, so we can sustain and keep improving the benefits to our community."