Bath & North East Somerset Council has approved a grant of £200,000 to the Cleveland Pools Trust, to help secure £4.5M of external funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The funding will be used to restore the important building and bring it back into effective use.
Local Liberal Democrats have been long-time supporters of the Cleveland Pools Trust in their hopes of restoring the Pools.
Walcot Councillor Lisa Brett helped draft the Heritage Lottery Fund bid documentation and now the Lib Dem-run Council is helping the Trust move forward to the next stage.
Councillor Lisa Brett (Walcot, Lib Dem) commented: “The prospect of re-opening of the Cleveland Pools is an exciting one.
“This is a unique opportunity to add to Bath’s many attractions. One only has to look to the success of the Clifton Lido to see there is a demand for open air swimming.
“Key to the success of this project will be managing issues such as access and sustainable travel. These will be considered as the Trust moves forward to further develop its proposals.”
Steve Bradley, Lib Dem prospective MP for Bath, added: “As the only surviving Georgian lido, Cleveland Pools is one of Bath’s hidden gems, and it’s been a real pleasure to volunteer there in the past.
“The Liberal Democrats have been strong supporters of the Trust in their bid for lottery funding, and I’m delighted the community’s hard work will soon have this gem back in use again.
“This is a great example of the type of partnership-working the Lib Dems have prioritised in our four years running the Council.
“Huge credit must also go to Ann Dunlop and the rest of the Cleveland Pools Trust for their vision, dedication and hard work.”
