Decision details

On 8 June 1977, East Herts Council and Hertfordshire County Council entered into a Joint Use Agreement for the operation of Ward Freman Swimming Pool. Under this agreement, East Herts Council was granted authority to manage and maintain the facility, ensuring access for both the public and pupils from Ward Freman School and surrounding schools.
A cost sharing arrangement was established, with East Herts Council contributing 60% and Hertfordshire County Council covering the remaining 40%, funded via Ward Freman school through Department for Education funding.
East Herts Council has continued to manage the facility through its leisure operator, SLM (trading as Everyone Active), under a 15-year contract commencing on 1 January 2020.
On 23 December 2023, the swimming pool was closed following a joint decision by both councils due to the significant level of investment required to meet essential operational and safety standards.
An inspection carried out in March 2023 by Hydrospec Ltd., commissioned by Everyone Active, identified substantial infrastructure issues, including outdated and failing boilers, an inadequate pool filtration system, and an ineffective air handling unit. Additional structural concerns include cracked and unsafe pool tiles, deterioration of pool surrounds and render. The facility also requires wider modernisation, including refurbishment of changing rooms and showers.
As of March 2023, the estimated cost to repair the facility was approximately £900,000. The asset owner, Hertfordshire County Council holds responsibility for investment decisions and confirmed closure due to insufficient available funding.
Since the closure of the pool, a formal community organisation - the Ward Freman Community Pool Group, has been established to lead efforts to secure the facility’s future.
The decision is taken under 10.6.1.2 of the Council's Constitution.

Officers recommend Option 1.
This recommendation is based on the following considerations:
•Substantial investment would be required to bring the aging building and plant room up to standard, which neither Councils can fund.
•The facility is owned by Hertfordshire County Council and not East Herts Council.
•Ongoing liability for health and safety, utilities, and due diligence presents a risk for the Council.

Option 1:
Terminate the Joint Use Agreement, thereby removing East Herts Council’s liability and financial responsibility for a facility it does not own.