By John Baron
Ambitious multi-million pound plans to improve the sustainability and long-term viability of Grade II Listed Bramley Baths have been submitted to Leeds City Council.
The Broad Lane building, which dates back to 1904, currently hosts a swimming pool, gym and studio area for classes, and had been community led since 2013.
The Baths has drawn up a series of plans, which include a new indoor coffee shop/waiting area extension in the front bin yard area, extending the studio space by up to 25% and a revamp of the pool roof to make it more environmentally friendly.
If approved, work would also include new family friendly poolside changing cubicles, a gender-neutral ‘changing village’ to replace the existing men’s and women’s poolside changing rooms, stained glass window restoration, a new state-of-the-art disability friendly toilet and measures to improve the historic building’s accessibility.
A new sauna for up to eight people would also be installed, and the existing steam room area would become a local heritage room
It’s hoped the Baths will receive more than £3 million funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards the initiative, with the Baths contributing a further £430,000.
Baths CEO David Wilford said: “We hope the improvements will help secure the future of the Baths for the next 60 years. We want to provide better and more comfortable facilities for the community, while retaining the unique character of our Grade II listed building.”
The Baths is also hoping to install the latest eco technology to help reduce energy costs and its carbon footprint.
If plans are approved and funding received, work is expected to be finished by 2030.
A design statement submitted by architects said: “This project is underpinned by a fundamental overhaul aimed at improving accessibility to the building and its diverse range of services. Bramley Baths is a cherished landmark within the Leeds community. Finding creative, sympathetic improvements is essential to opening the facility to a wider demographic and safeguarding its heritage for future generations.
“The proposals for Bramley Baths aims to preserve and restore its key architectural features while improving its overall functionality and accessibility. The scheme focuses on upgrading various areas within the building as well as an additional sensitive extension to the front of the building.”
The Baths, which last year held a successful community share initiative, continues to look for local support for their plans. Contact david@bramleybaths.com for more details.
The listed building planning application can be read here, the full application can be viewed here.
The Edwardian Baths were built in 1904 as one of eight bath houses to improve public health and wellbeing in response to the outbreak of cholera in Leeds.
Sponsored content
