Last week, a Rutland resident got in touch with Oakham Nub News to propose that Rutland County Council consider turning Wilko into a swimming pool - and many have joined the call, speaking out in favour of the informal proposal.

The old Wilko building, which closed as Wilko on 24 September, has caused a great deal of discussion on local social media groups and among the Rutland community.

With coffee shops, independent businesses and national chains closing across Oakham, the people of Rutland are missing some 'essentials' in the rural market town.

One of these essentials is a swimming pool, following the closure of Catmose Sports Centre in 2021 after structural issues were discovered during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Some have suggested a market-style format be brought to the old Wilko building, with independent sellers touting their wares at a daily undercover market.

One resident said: "We don't need more artisan goods - just affordable, daily essentials, like children's clothes, underwear, DIY goods and the like. Rutland has a big mix of people, and affordability is just as important as the beautiful shops and tourist spots that we already have."

However, many are in favour of the former homeware shop being turned into a swimming pool.

One reader got in touch to propose the change of use: "How about making Wilko into a town centre swimming pool? It might be worth seeing if the council have any thoughts on this."

Since then, others have stepped out in support of the suggestion.

Ian and Sharon said: "Brilliant idea. A cinema would be nice but a pool is what this town needs as summer temperatures keep rising."

Pat added: "I think a swimming pool is a wonderful idea. I now pay for Catmose gym and Oakham school pool but I'm a lane swimmer. There is nowhere for people just to enjoy swimming with their friends and family just for fun. By law, all children are taught to swim but where do they go to enjoy and develop their swimming?"

Jo said: "I think that a town centre swimming pool would be a fantastic use for the Wilko site. 

"The lack of a public facilities in this growing town is a disgrace. Every child has the right to learn life saving skills and every age group would benefit from the exercise and enjoyment of swimming. 

"The developers responsible for expanding this town and surrounding villages, should be contributing to provision of services for all the families they are putting here."

While Uppingham Sports Centre and Oakham School offer limited swimming sessions and lessons, the lack of a public pool in Rutland's county town has caused distress among locals, who argue that they need a place to teach their children to swim, being so close to Rutland Water, one of the country's biggest man made bodies of water.

However, Jordan "As a Oakham and Rutland resident, I know for a fact that the area lacks a large community space, a place people can get off of the Hopper and go for a bingo night, some live music and offer venue hire for weddings and birthdays etc.

"I believe the venues at the Victoria Hall and the Catmose Club, the two I can think of off the top of my head, are way too small for any larger events, say a 300 capacity theatre type venue that can be used as the Catmose Sports Centre once was, something with a less ridiculous hire budget than an out and out theatre.

I am aware that an obvious issue is parking, however, with the back warehouse no longer getting large lorry deliveries, that could be converted into a decently sized car park for users of the space (using an ANPR reg device for patrons).

"This could also be used as an information hub, with information of the goings on about the town and local area. I like the idea of a swimming pool, however I cannot see that location being the best for one, maybe building on the land by The Old Buttercross by the bypass could be a better solution for what would be a bigger area for more sports too."

Other residents have suggested an indoor market, bowling alley, cinema, Rutland Sea Dragon attraction and even a Boyes or Waitrose branch for the former discount homeware shop.

What do you think about turning Wilko into a swimming pool? Or do you propose something else?

Get in touch to let us know by emailing [email protected].