Ripon Spa Baths goes on sale
The baths are no longer needed by the council.
Harrogate Borough Council has put the historic Ripon Spa Baths up for sale with an undisclosed price tag.
The Grade II-listed baths was the last of its kind to open in England and has been put on the market as it will no longer be needed by the council when a refurbishment of Ripon Leisure Centre is completed later this year.
Property agents Sanderson Weatherall have been commissioned to sell the 116-year-old building and the council it said could have a number of future uses.
In a marketing document, the council said: “Subject to planning permission and listed building consent, the redevelopment could include low density residential use, community uses and other uses appropriate to town centre locations having regard to the amenity considerations and constraints of the locality”.
The documents also say offers for the historic building are being invited on either a conditional or unconditional basis.
It is the second time the baths has been put up for sale by Harrogate Borough Council after the authority advertised it in 2008 with a £3.3m price tag but later withdrew its sale plans following a community campaign.
News of the second sale attempt had sparked concerns amongst city councillors who said they wanted to see the building kept in use as a community facility and not converted into housing.
Councillor Andrew Williams, leader of Ripon City Council, previously said: “The site has been a community facility since 1905, it is the only spa to be opened by a member of the royal family and is Grade II listed. I would hate for all of that to only be available to certain people if it is converted into housing.
“The baths could be used as an arts gallery, museum or bowling alley – there are any number of future possible uses that would benefit the community.”
The multi-million pound refurbishment of Ripon Leisure Centre was due to be completed earlier this year but there have been delays after workers were forced to down tools for two months during the first Covid-19 lockdown.
The works are now scheduled for completion in November and include a new six-lane 25 metre pool, health suite, dance studios and play area.
A spokesman for Harrogate Borough Council said: “Ripon Spa Baths has served the community well over the years and is now being replaced by a modern, state-of-the-art pool at Ripon Leisure Centre.
“Once the project is complete, it will provide much needed state-of-the-art facilities that will encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle for our residents.”