Refurb Projects - August 2016

PROJECT
£5 million plans for City Pool and Baths
THE transformation of
Newcastle City Pool and
Turkish Baths has taken
another step closer with the
submission of a planning application
to Newcastle City Council.
The £5 million redevelopment of
the historic site proposed by Fusion
Lifestyle will bring the City Pool and
Turkish Baths back into use as a
modern facility while retaining the
distinctive neo-Georgian features of
the 1920s building.
The plans include the restoration
of the City Pool and the Turkish
Baths which will incorporate a spa.
There will also be a range of
health and wellbeing facilities
including fitness facilities, exercise
studios and treatment rooms.
Plans for a cafe/bistro will see
the front of the building open onto
Northumberland Road for the first
time – creating a new look and vibe
– and turning the building into
leisure-time destination for people
of the city.
The submission of the planning
application follows a six week public
consultation process when hundreds
of people visited a public exhibition
at Newcastle Civic Centre and gave
their feedback online.
Peter Kay, Chief Executive of
Fusion Lifestyle, said: “Feedback on
our vision for the future of
Newcastle City Pool and Turkish
Baths has been overwhelmingly
positive and we’re proud to have
created some innovative plans which
will take this wonderful building
into the future.
“The building has been empty
since 2013 and we can’t wait to
bring it back into use for new users
and those who grew up visiting the
City Pool and Baths.”
Graeme Dodd, Director of Napper
Architects, said: “It is clear from the
feedback how important the people
of Newcastle think the building is -
so that makes us even more pleased
to be working on the project.
“It also makes us more aware of
the need for a sensitive approach to
the design and restoration as
protecting the unique features of
the building is key.
“Many 1920s period features,
such as the ornate plasterwork and
tiled wall finishes, will be retained
and will sit alongside the modern
facilities, restored areas and
contemporary changing facilities.
“The new facilities will
beautifully complement the
refurbishment of the existing
features to allow the building to
carry on its journey for the next 100
years.”
Leader of Newcastle City Council,
Councillor Nick Forbes, said: “It is
very encouraging to see Fusion come
forward with their plans for the
future of the City Pools. It is another
step towards bringing this important
local facility back into use.”
Cait Read of Re-open Newcastle
Turkish Baths and City Pool Group,
said: “It is great news that the plans
by Fusion Lifestyle to restore and reopen
Newcastle City Pool and
Turkish Baths are progressing.
“We are delighted at the design
plans and look forward to continue
to be involved in the Baths
redevelopment and re-opening.”
Fusion Lifestyle is a registered
charity with significant experience
in revitalising heritage sites across
the UK including swimming pools,
sports halls and fitness centres.
If plans are approved work is
expected to begin later this year and
the facility is set to open in spring
2018.
*The exhibition is now on display
in alley three of The Grainger Market
until August. It’s open from 9am
until 5.30pm Monday – Saturday.
Follow the development on Twitter
@CityPoolNCL and on Facebook
Newcastle City Pool and Turkish
Baths or visit www.citypool.co.uk
REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS, AUGUST 2016 45