Redevelopment Commences on Ripon’s Historic Spa Baths

Work has commenced on a £2m initiative to redevelop Ripon’s historic Spa Baths. Sterne Properties is converting the Grade II listed building into luxury apartments, commercial units, and a publicly accessible courtyard. Robert Sterne, the managing director, who learned to swim at the facility, stated that returning to the site evoked strong childhood memories. He also noted “a lot of pressure” on the project due to “public interest in this building is absolutely huge.” As part of the redevelopment, the original Edwardian frontage will be retained, but the pool hall itself will be demolished. The building was initially constructed in 1905, aiming to leverage the success of nearby Harrogate as a spa town. The swimming pool and its accompanying hall were later incorporated into the spa structure in the 1930s. The facility ceased operations three years prior, subsequently replaced by the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre. According to the developers, the initiative aims to “roll back the clock” to the period of the spa’s original establishment. Mr. Sterne commented, “People feel very strongly in Ripon about our heritage, but we like a challenge and are keen to take on that challenge and deliver something that is great for the city.” He recounted positive memories from his time at the pool, stating, “Even now, the smells when you come in are still exactly the same as they were all those years ago.” Barbara Brodigan, a North Yorkshire and Ripon City Councillor, expressed satisfaction that the site would soon be operational again. She remarked, “I’m absolutely ecstatic. Seeing it being refurbished is great, it had been in a really poor, decayed state with water coming through the roof.” She further added, “The developers have a track record in this city of taking over buildings of historic and cultural interest and they’ve always been sympathetic and sensitive to the refurbishment and preservation of such buildings.” Caroline Bentham, a long-distance swimmer and triathlete who also learned to swim at the pool, indicated her pleasure that the building was being repurposed, despite no longer functioning as a swimming facility. She stated, “I’ve ploughed up and down in the pool for hours.” She continued, “I’m glad that it’s being renovated. We needed a new swimming pool, it was well past its date and we’ve got a new one, so that’s brilliant.” Bentham concluded, “As long as they’re sympathetic with the surroundings and the front of the building then we’ve got to move forward. You can’t just keep hold of the past and let it crumble around you.”