A project to bring the historic Cleveland Pools Georgian lido back to life has been earmarked £4.1 million worth of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The plans include restoring the Georgian pool to provide swimming in a naturally treated, heated pool, a children’s splash pool, cafe and landing stage for people arriving by boat.
The Bath stone cubicles and cottage will be conserved, while the upper Victorian pool will be covered to provide space for events and the Ladies’ Pool area will be used for heritage and educational activities.
The Cleveland Pools trust have given thanks go to the Prince’s Regeneration Trust for their expert advice and support in helping make the funding happen.
In a statement, Ann Dunlop, Chair of the Cleveland Pools Trust, said: “Now the work really begins for myself and the other trustees – Roger, Ainslie, Ina, Sally, Tom and Paul – along with our principal adviser Mary Sabina Stacey, who is heading up our bicentenary plans for next year.
“Two people who can’t be forgotten – recently retired trustees Janice Dreisbach and Linda Watts – also played a huge part in the long-running campaign to restore the Cleveland Pools and are both still keeping their hands in.
“The trustees and many other helpers are all unpaid volunteers and this is testament to the passion and unerring dedication they have shown in wanting to bring the Cleveland Pools back to life.
“We’ve recently discovered some amazing history about the characters and events which have taken place over its long history and – along with its unique architecture, the tranquil setting and the soon-to-be-reinstated river pontoon allowing people to arrive by boat – we at last feel we’re on to an all-round winner.
“The HLF grant is, of course, the icing on the cake and we feel so proud that they have finally put their faith in us.
“As the news reaches the wider media we urge you to talk, tweet and write about it to everyone you know and spread the news further afield.
“We cannot be complacent about what happens next and we shall begin straight away to activate our working groups and to approach businesses, foundations and philanthropists for sponsorship so that we can get stuck into the development stage.
“We will be interviewing for a Project Director in September to get the ball rolling on governance during this process.
“We all hope you will continue your support in whatever way you can so that we finally realise the dream of bringing open-air swimming back to everyone in Bath and beyond.”
