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01
Jul 2024
Rejuvenation of Ripon Spa Baths moves a step closer
Plans for the rejuvenation of Ripon Spa Baths will go before North Yorkshire Council planners this summer.
Ripon-based property investment and development company Sterne Properties Limited is seeking planning approval for a mixed-used hospitality-led scheme.
If approved, it would see the restoration of the spa building, which includes ornate tiles, stained glass, period lighting and other features dating back to 1905, when it opened.
The proposals, which are supported by Ripon City Council and Ripon Civic Society, include construction of four two-bedroom residential flats to the rear of the Park Street site.
Director Robert Sterne told the Stray Ferret:
Following detailed consultation with planners, the council’s conservation officer and case officer, we have made revisions to the residential element of the development, with the aim of reaching consensus on what will be acceptable.
The overall floorspace for the apartments has been reduced by 600 sq feet and ridge heights have also been lowered.
We are aiming for the August 6 planning committee meeting and hope it all goes smoothly, as we are keen to get on site as soon as possible, because the spa building is in a rapidly deteriorating condition, with foliage growing out of its brickwork.
We are 100% committed to restoring this iconic building to its former glory, but can only start this work once the planning process has been completed and we are able to finalise the purchase of the spa complex from North Yorkshire Council.
Many of the grade two listed building's decorative elements have not been seen for 88 years, as the spa was re-purposed in 1936 to accommodate a public swimming pool and the addition of a pool hall saw the concealment of classical designs on windows, walls and ceilings.
Mr Sterne said:
Our objective, as a long-term investor in our home city, is to deliver high quality developments that breathe new life into listed and historically-important buildings and bring redundant properties back into active use.
This is achieved through a sensitive balance of residential and commercial space and the delivery of workable schemes that are financially viable and environmentally sustainable.
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