Work underway to reopen historic Bath swimming pool
The Cleveland Pools were first built in 1815
Work is well underway in Bath to reopen what is thought to be the UK's oldest outdoor swimming pool.
Cleveland Pools on the banks of the River Avon was first built in 1815 but had fallen into disrepair since it closed in the 1980s.
It's now due to reopen next year following a 17-year community campaign to save the Grade II* listed site., run by the Cleveland Pools Trust.
The Trust says the project has the support of hundreds of people in Bath, many of whom have recorded their happy memories of summers spent poolside, of learning to swim, early romance and just how cold the water was.
The restoration is due to cost £6.2 million and is being carried out by Bristol based construction company Beard.
Anna Baker, project director for Cleveland Pools Trust said: “After 17 years of community action, starting construction work is a hugely significant moment which we’re all so happy to see.
“We’ve had fantastic support to get us this far, particularly from our main funder, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, but still have some way to go with £400,000 still to raise.
"We are looking forward now to seeing the restoration take shape, to be complete by summer 2022, when the community that enjoyed the benefits of this wonderful facility in the past, will be able to once again."
The site is only accessible for vehicles via the river, meaning machinery, building materials and equipment needed to carry out the refurbishment have to be loaded onto a pontoon at the nearby Avon Rugby Club and then pushed up-river by a barge.
Mark Tregelles, Beard project manager said: “We recognise how culturally significant this development is for the community, and wider region, not only as a Grade II* listed building but also as a space for the community to use and enjoy when it’s complete.
"We are working closely with the Cleveland Pools Trust to realise their vision to make it an accessible and fun place to be for all users, and also to reflect the rich history behind the nationally important site.
“But it is certainly a different prospect for Beard as we’ve had to do a lot of work in preparation to establish a base down river at Avon Rugby Club, which we will use as a loading site to get everything we need onto the barge and sailed up to the site.
“There can’t be many building projects today which require access by boat. So, we’re pleased to be starting after months of planning, and to draw on years of experience working on culturally important buildings to ensure delivery on time for the community.”
Among the work to be carried out is the restoration of two pools – the crescent-shaped main pool for adults and a smaller, shallower pool for children.
There will also be refurbishment of the largely unaltered Grade II* listed buildings, the central cottage upgraded to be used as a main entrance and pay point, with the first floor to become a caretaker’s flat.
Work is due to be completed in time for swimmers to return next summer, for the first time since 1984 and will be accessible for all.
The project was set to start in March last year when the covid pandemic struck and led to delays and increased costs.
As Anna said, the Trust is still fundraising for the project, which you can read more about and donate to here.