THE transformation of Newcastle City Pool and Turkish Baths has taken another step closer with the submission of a planning application to Newcastle City Council.
The £5 million redevelopment of the historic site proposed by Fusion Lifestyle will bring the City Pool and Turkish Baths back into use as a modern facility while retaining the distinctive neo-Georgian features of the 1920s building.
The plans include the restoration of the City Pool and the Turkish Baths which will incorporate a spa.
There will also be a range of health and wellbeing facilities including fitness facilities, exercise studios and treatment rooms.
Plans for a cafe/bistro will see the front of the building open onto Northumberland Road for the first time – creating a new look and vibe – and turning the building into leisure-time destination for people of the city.
The submission of the planning application follows a six week public consultation process when hundreds of people visited a public exhibition at Newcastle Civic Centre and gave their feedback online.
Peter Kay, Chief Executive of Fusion Lifestyle, said: “Feedback on our vision for the future of Newcastle City Pool and Turkish Baths has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re proud to have created some innovative plans which will take this wonderful building into the future.
“The building has been empty since 2013 and we can’t wait to bring it back into use for new users and those who grew up visiting the City Pool and Baths.”
Graeme Dodd, Director of Napper Architects, said: “It is clear from the feedback how important the people of Newcastle think the building is – so that makes us even more pleased to be working on the project.
“It also makes us more aware of the need for a sensitive approach to the design and restoration as protecting the unique features of the building is key.
“Many 1920s period features, such as the ornate plasterwork and tiled wall finishes, will be retained and will sit alongside the modern facilities, restored areas and contemporary changing facilities.
“The new facilities will beautifully complement the refurbishment of the existing features to allow the building to carry on its journey for the next 100 years.”
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Councillor Nick Forbes, said: “It is very encouraging to see Fusion come forward with their plans for the future of the City Pools. It is another step towards bringing this important local facility back into use.”
Cait Read of Re-open Newcastle Turkish Baths and City Pool Group, said: “It is great news that the plans by Fusion Lifestyle to restore and re-open Newcastle City Pool and Turkish Baths are progressing.
“We are delighted at the design plans and look forward to continue to be involved in the Baths redevelopment and re-opening.”
Fusion Lifestyle is a registered charity with significant experience in revitalising heritage sites across the UK including swimming pools, sports halls and fitness centres.
If plans are approved work is expected to begin later this year and the facility is set to open in spring 2018.
*The exhibition is now on display in alley three of The Grainger Market until August. It’s open from 9am until 5.30pm Monday – Saturday.
Follow the development on Twitter @CityPoolNCL and on Facebook Newcastle City Pool and Turkish Baths or visit www.citypool.co.uk
