'I'm demolishing the pool where I learnt to swim'

Work has begun on a £2m project to redevelop Ripon's historic Spa Baths.

The Grade II listed building is being converted into luxury apartments, commercial units and a publicly accessible courtyard by Sterne Properties.

Managing director, Robert Sterne, who learnt to swim at the pool said being back on the site had brought his childhood memories flooding back, adding there was "a lot of pressure" on the project as "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.

Originally built in 1905 to capitalise on nearby Harrogate’s success as a spa town, the swimming pool and its hall were added to the spa building in the 1930.

It was closed three years ago and replaced by the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre.

Developers say the scheme will "roll back the clock" to when the spa was originally created.

"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," Mr Sterne said.

He said he had happy memories of his time in the pool, adding: "Even now, the smells when you come in are still exactly the same as they were all those years ago."

North Yorkshire and Ripon City Councillor, Barbara Brodigan, said she was pleased the site would soon be back in use.

"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 said.

"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."

Long distance swimmer and triathlete Caroline Bentham also learnt to swim in the pool, and said while the building no longer served a purpose as a pool she was pleased it was being brought back into use.

She said: "I've ploughed up and down in the pool for hours.

"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.

"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."

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