The Cleveland Pools in Bath, the UK’s oldest lido, has reopened following a significant 15-month renovation project which has seen the site restored to its former glory.
During the restoration project | Photo © Phil Cloak Photography
The historic pools are once again welcoming swimmers following a community campaign over the past 18 years by the Cleveland Pools Trust, supported by thousands of local residents.
The campaign has taken the 207-year-old, Grade II* listed site from the lows of its closure in 1984, and a threat of demolition in 2003, to its present-day restoration.
Hundreds entered a competition to be the first to swim and the winning 100 were able to experience the facility on Saturday 24th September.
The pool will be open to the public for a preview cold-water season, ahead of reopening as a heated pool next spring, warmed using energy from the adjacent River Avon thanks to heat pump technology integrated with a river pontoon for visitor access.
The overall cost of the project is £9.3 million, £6.47 million of which came from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Cleveland Pools in 1910 | Photo © Mark Eades on behalf of Bette Hibbert
The project has also had significant support from the DCMS Capital Kickstart Fund, Historic England and Bath and North East Somerset Council.
The work has been carried out by local construction company and heritage restoration specialist Beard Construction.
The building work was particularly logistically challenging as most of the plant and materials could only be brought to the site via the river.
Bath-based architectural practice Donald Insall Associates carried out the design work.
The restoration has been led by project director Anna Baker, a chartered architect who specialises in historic buildings.
Anna said: “I am proud to have played a part in a restoration that many didn’t believe was possible. It’s been complex and very challenging. But it’s also been unique, the project of a lifetime.
“We are a small project team and could not have done it without the help of our hundreds of volunteers.
“It’s been a real privilege to work on such a community-driven undertaking.
“I’ve especially enjoyed taking this from a community heritage scheme to a project which engages with wellbeing, culture, sustainable energy and the natural environment.”
The refurbishment at the site has seen the following created/restored:
- Pools – the crescent-shaped main pool (25m) and a smaller, shallower splash pool
- Restoration of the original Georgian changing rooms
- Restoration of the central Georgian cottage for the main entrance and pay point
- Construction of terrace seating
- Construction of new toilets and showers
- Construction of a refreshment kiosk
- Creation of a site heritage exhibition and learning space.
Beard’s Mark Tregelles added: “This has been a rare opportunity to restore a heritage building to its original use. Although logistically challenging, the overriding theme of this project has been collaboration.
“Working together with Anna, her team, volunteers and local residents has meant that no problem has been insurmountable.
“Having access only by river has really tested our initiative, not only getting materials in and out of the project but also in the method of construction, given the limited plant and equipment that we could get to the site.
“Overall, it has been an honour to breathe new life into an historic landmark which can now be enjoyed for generations to come.”
David Barnes, associate director at Donald Insall Associates, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to lead the design team for the restoration of this precious historic outdoor public pool.
“The restored and updated facilities at Cleveland Pools present a new and exciting chapter for continued enjoyment of this much-loved site that is inescapably part of Bath’s rich bathing heritage.”
