The appointment of Kathryn Osborn as the project coordinator for the redevelopment of Jubilee Pool in Penzance has been heralded as a major step forward.

Kathryn has been appointed by current operators of the pool, Tempus Leisure, to lead on the delivery of a programme of activity to help raise the profile of the pool among both locals and visitors, with the aim of increasing user numbers so that the pool can become more financially sustainable in the future.

Kathryn is well known to regular visitors to the pool having managed the facility from 2010, overseeing its transformation and success prior to the storm damage in 2014.

Leading the revenue side of the pool development, Kathryn will shortly be launching the first of a number of projects, focusing on the recruitment of four apprentices that will receive training around swimming, outdoor pursuits and events management.

Over the coming months, and prior to the pool reopening fully next year, Kathryn will be rolling out other projects around sports and cultural events and education – all seeking to reinforce the profile and success of the site. She is particularly keen to speak to groups and schools that may wish to participate in the scheme and use the pool when it reopens.

Last summer a funding package of £2.937m was secured from the Coastal Communities Fund, the Cornwall and Isle of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership’s Regional Growth Fund, Cornwall Council, Penzance Town Council, Tempus Leisure Ltd and the Friends of Jubilee Pool.

The funding will secure the long term future of the pool through the completion of essential structural work including undertaking the necessary repairs following storm damage and through the work Kathryn will complete.

The surveys and design work required prior to the construction phase are nearing completion and the physical work should begin on site early this summer. The construction works should be completed by next spring.

Councillor Adam Paynter, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for resources and chair of the project steering group said: “I am pleased another key milestone for this project has been achieved through the appointment of the project co-ordinator. Kathryn will be tasked with delivering a comprehensive schedule of events and activities which will increase usage and raise awareness of the improved facilities on offer.

"This events programme will complement the significant engineering and construction work being undertaken to repair and protect the pool for the future.”

David Nebesnuick, the Mayor of Penzance, added: “Kathryn is an excellent choice, she will bring a thorough knowledge of the Jubilee Pool to this new post. She will be in a very strong position to progress the pool to the next stage of its development. The Jubilee Pool is not only a local asset, it is a national icon of Art Deco design and the largest salt water lido in the country. With Kathryn's leadership the pool will once again become a major feature of the Penzance experience.”