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Sept 2023
Ripon developer submits plans to convert Spa Baths
Plans have been submitted to convert Ripon Spa Baths into two commercial units and offices, and create a new building to accommodate four flats.
The application, from Ripon-based property development and investment company Sterne Properties Limited, would see the demolition of the 1930s swimming pool hall at the rear of the original grade two listed spa building.
The swimming pool building would be replaced with a small, glazed single-storey extension and a landscaped courtyard area linked into the adjacent Spa Gardens, providing a new public access to the parkland area.
The Samuel Stead-designed terracotta-clad building was constructed in 1904 and 1905 and has been disused for two years.
Robert Sterne (pictured above), director of Sterne Properties, told the Stray Ferret:
"Restoration of the iconic spa building is central to our proposals as we aim to return it to its former glory at the heart of the city's spa quarter, within a high-quality hospitality-led development."
He added:
"The restoration will enable us to reveal classical features, such as stunning stained glass windows and ornate tiles dating back to the elegant Edwardian era, that have been covered up since 1936 when the site was remodelled to include a public swimming pool.
"These features are part of Ripon's heritage and will be freely accessible for people to see in the pump room area, which will be open for the community to visit."
The proposed north (top) and west elevations.
Andrew Burningham, the architect for the scheme, said:
"We have carried out a great deal of research into the history of the spa to produce a scheme that re-establishes the seamless link that it previously had with Spa Gardens.
"The new buildings have been designed to be sympathetic to, and respectful of, their historic surroundings."
Rhe distinctive terracota cladding.
Spa Baths closed in November 2021 after 116 years of service and was put on the market by the now-abolished Harrogate Borough Council.
Sterne Properties announced plans for a community-focused hospitality-led restoration in June 2022 and following months of negotiations, exchanged contracts with North Yorkshire Council.
The council will decide whether to approve the application.
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