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Mar 2021

Last Updated: 08/03/2021

Politics

For sale sign on Ripon's Spa Baths

by Tim Flanagan

| 08 Mar, 2021

Harrogate Borough Council has put Ripon's historic Spa Baths up for sale. City councillors and a heritage body want detailed consultation to guide future use of the building

ripon-8th-march-2021-for-sale-sign-at-spa-baths

The 'for sale' sign has been put in place outside Ripon's Spa Baths.

The move comes despite calls from councillors and Ripon Civic Society for detailed consultation to decide the future of the Grade II listed building.

Sanderson Weatherall, the property agents appointed by Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) is marketing the property under the heading 'residential'.

But under a separate heading of 'development proposals' says:

"The property could potentially be suitable for a variety of alternative uses subject to planning."

It then adds that HBC's planning department has provided the following statement:

“Subject to planning permission and listed building consent, the re-development could include low density residential use, community uses and other uses appropriate to town centre locations having regard to the amenity considerations and constraints of the locality."

“Urges that disposal of Ripon Spa Baths must not happen without transparent evidence that its potential contribution to health provision in our growing city and wider value to the community have been thoroughly addressed.”

In a statement issued by HBC, the council said:

“Ripon Spa Baths has served the community well over the years."

The building is now being replaced by a modern, state-of-the-art pool at Ripon Leisure Centre, following significant investment by the borough council.

The statement added

“The future sale, and redevelopment of the listed building, would allow this local asset to be redeveloped (subject to planning approval), retain key features and remain as a city landmark.”