Bath lido plans buoyed by new lifeline funding
Bath’s lido, the nation’s oldest outdoor swimming pool, could reopen by summer 2022 after being given financial support for the impact of Covid-19.
The Cleveland Pools Trust has been granted £56,300 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to assist with the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the development of the project.
The Fund has already covered a significant amount of the scheme’s costs with a £4.7m grant awarded in December 2018.
Cleveland Pools said this money was for the capital works which they are still progressing with. The emergency funding has been awarded to support them with the unforeseen costs due to Covid-19.
The project is also continually fundraising to help support the development of the pools, which are in Hampton Row.
The lido project has had to adapt massively throughout lockdown with working from home, altering community engagement projects, and placing consultants and contractors on furlough which has caused further delays.
The Trust has taken the decision to delay the planned start of works on site until spring next year.
Due to the site’s proximity and reliance on the river Avon as the primary means of transporting plant, machinery and materials to site, this will greatly minimise risk to the project in the event of adverse weather over the winter.
Ros Kerslake, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, supporting economic regeneration and benefiting our personal wellbeing.
“All of these things are going to be even more important as we emerge from this current crisis. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are pleased to be able to lend our support to organisations such as Cleveland Pools Trust during this uncertain time.”
Paul Simons, chair of the Trust, said: “The Cleveland Pools Trust is immensely grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its continuing support and confidence in the project team in its efforts to move forward and deliver this unique project.
“We are all working in unprecedented circumstances and the Trust is delighted with the encouragement and assistance that it is receiving from its major funder.”
Over the coming months, Cleveland Pools will be working to update the business plan in light of the impact of Covid-19, alongside completing design work.
The Trust is working towards signing a contract with Beard Construction
in February 2021 and it is hoped the lido will open for swimming in summer 2022.
Sean Franks from Beard Construction, said: “Beard Construction are excited to be part of this project and are keen to be involved in the restoration of this historic Georgian lido.
“We remain committed to the scheme and look forward to commencing works in the New Year.”