Pool built in 1870 is facing closure

Other centres to become ‘self-financing’

LEISURE: An historic swimming pool that was built in 1870 and saved from closure 10 years ago by the community it serves could close down for good.

It looks like Starbeck Baths, which is Harrogate’s oldest swimming pool, could be shut down under plans by Harrogate Borough Council.

IT WAS first built in 1870 and was saved from closure 10 years ago by the community it serves.

But now Starbeck Baths, Harrogate’s oldest swimming pool, is looking like it could be shut down for good under plans by Harrogate Borough Council.

The future of the baths is being considered under the council’s proposals to create a Local Authority Controlled Company (LACC) to run its leisure services – a move which could see several centres upgraded and a new gym and swimming pool built in Knaresborough.

Bosses have estimated the council’s 11 leisure venues – in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Pateley Bridge – could become self-funded if Starbeck Baths were to be closed.

Documents show keeping the 150-year-old venue open would cost £255,000 a year to the council-controlled company.

And while the council says it

is not “proposing” to close down the baths, it seems the move is being given consideration.

Setting out the LACC plans in full, Michael Constantine, the council’s head of culture, tourism and sport, said eventually “there will become a question about Starbeck”.

And a report from Mr Constantine says: “Given the significant short term (and potentially medium term) financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, and the medium term outlook for the capital strategy, it is crucial that any significant reviews, such as this, are self-financing.

“Based on the modelling, should the decision be taken to commit to the two schemes, then this also requires the agreement to set up the LACC to deliver the existing services at a reduced cost and is predicated on the closure of Starbeck Pool, once the new Knaresborough opens, or before if it fundamentally fails.”

The report also picks out The Hydro, Knaresborough Swimming Pool and Ripon Spa Baths as centres which “are not of a quality expected in the 21st century” and in need of upgrades.

The new pool and gym planned for Knaresborough could be built at Conyngham Hall, Hay-a-Park or Knaresborough House.

A redevelopment of the town’s 29-year-old swimming pool on King James Road is also being considered as an option.