Ripon Spa Baths set for revamp
Sterne Properties has bought the historic building from North Yorkshire Council, and plans to convert it into hospitality-led commercial units, four apartments, and a courtyard open to the public.
Planning permission was granted for the former spa baths in September, with Architecture:ab on board as designer.
Ripon-based Sterne plans to invest more than £2m in restoring the site and retaining its original Edwardian frontage. As much original building material as possible will be salvaged and reused in the development.
The original spa building, water tower and boiler house are set to be converted and extended into commercial units, with the swimming pool extension demolished to create the apartments and courtyard.
The grade two-listed building opened in 1905, following on from the success of Harrogate as a spa town, with water pumped from nearby Aldfield.
The swimming pool was added in the 1930s but the baths were closed when the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre opened in 2021.
North Yorkshire Council deputy leader, Cllr Gareth Dadd, said: “Ripon’s Spa Baths were the last of their kind to open in England and we wanted to be sure this listed building was preserved for the city.
“Robert Sterne and his team have very exciting plans for the building which fits into our focus on the regeneration of our town and city centres and the repurposing of buildings.”
Managing director, Robert Sterne, said: “This is an exciting project for our business – as a local family we are passionate about conserving Ripon’s heritage whilst encouraging new and exciting businesses to operate in our city. This scheme will continue the resurrection of the city’s spa quarter.
“We want to roll the clock back to when the spa baths were built – the original façade will be restored so it looks just as it was intended to look in the early 1900s.
“By opening up the south elevation and creating a rear courtyard, the Spa Baths will once again work as it was originally designed. For example, natural light will flood the pump room through the stunning stained glass panels.
“This is something that hasn’t been seen since the 1930s.
“Our architect, Andrew Burningham, has worked meticulously on this scheme which has resulted in a sympathetic and deliverable plan to preserve and enhance the spa baths.”
