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14
Nov 2022
Last Updated: 11/11/2022
'No plan or intention' to sell Starbeck Baths, says council
Harrogate Borough Council denies rumours it plans to sell Starbeck Baths when the Hydro is refurbished and Knaresborough Leisure Centre is built.
Starbeck Baths.
Harrogate Borough Council has said it has “no plans” to sell Starbeck Baths after the Hydro is refurbished and the new Knaresborough Leisure Centre is built.
The council is currently carrying out an £11 million refurbishment of Harrogate Hydro and building a new £17 million leisure centre in Knaresborough.
The move has led to speculation on social media the authority will sell the Victorian baths in Starbeck after the projects are finished.
However, Cllr Stan Lumley, cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport at the council, said there were no plans to offload the facility.
He said:
“I can confirm Harrogate Borough Council has no plan or intention to close or dispose of Starbeck pool, and our investment strategy building the new pool and wellness centres in Ripon and in Knaresborough and the extension and refurbishments at the Hydro is not reliant on closure of any site managed by Brimhams Active.”
Read more:
- Harrogate Hydro renovations a long-term gain, says diving club
- Hot Seat: Leading the Harrogate district’s leisure revolution
The facility is one of 10 centres run by the council-owned leisure company, Brimham’s Active.
The council has earmarked an opening date of May 2023 for the Harrogate Hydro.
It would be a month after the council is abolished and replaced by North Yorkshire Council.
Work on the Hydro, which is being led by Bristol-based Alliance Leisure, is ongoing to create a 400 square metre fitness suite, a sauna and steam suite, improved reception and café.
There will also be new diving board equipment, a new fitness suite and the changing areas will be upgraded.
Meanwhile, the new leisure centre in Knaresborough is due to open in August 2023.
Construction is continuing on the project which will see a six-lane 25-metre pool, activity pool with flume, sauna and steam room, fitness suite and studio, spin studio, café, electric car charging points and bicycle storage created.
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