The Majestic Cinema opened in April 1923, the cinema had one screen and had seats for 950.
The Majestic Cinema closed in 1963 and it was purchased by the local council, who converted it into a swimming pool.
Tyldesley Swimming Pool was opened in 1964. The pool became home to Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo Club and Barton Sub Aqua Club.
In 2011 we were told that Tyldesley Swimming Pool was likely to be closed for two reasons. Firstly, it was the oldest and most expensive to maintain and secondly, it had the fewest number of people using it., a group of us got together and on 1st April, 2012 we took it over and it has been a very interesting journey ever since.
A Sport England grant was put to very good use, alongside monies that we had pulled together to carry out a £70,000+ project to refurbish all the changing rooms. We are hoping to continue the refurbishment, particularly at poolside, so will be going in for another grant in this regard.
In April 2014 we celebrated the swimming pools 50th Birthday a great achievement.
At the back of the swimming pool, there is another room that used to be a heritage store, which is two thirds the size of the swimming pool. The room has been cleared now and with the Council’s support, we intend that this room has a flexible use in that, during the day it will be for people who require adult social care because of learning difficulties or the like and during the evening and at weekends, it will be our own youth zone.
It is our ultimate ambition to get some Heritage funding to renovate the exterior of our fine iconic building, which has played a part in our society for nearly 90 years.
The Pelican Centre relies on the help and support of many volunteers who are managed by a small core of paid staff. Our volunteers are given full training free of charge.
The Pelican Centre receives no ongoing financial support and is funded through the community using the facility. All admissions help to keep the facility open.
