The historic spa baths will be redeveloped into luxury apartments, commercial units and an open courtyard with public access, in plans costing more than £2 million.
The Grade II listed Ripon Spa Baths opened in 1905 but closed three years ago when the town’s swimming pool was replaced by the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre.
North Yorkshire Council said the property was purchased by local family-owned company Stern Properties.
Managing director Robert Stern said the company specializes in the “revitalization and reuse of redundant and semi-derelict buildings” in Ripon.
“We want to turn back the clock to when the spa baths were built. The original façade will be restored so it looks the way it was intended in the early 1900s.”
“By opening up the south elevation and creating a rear garden, the spa bath will once again function as originally designed.
“For example, natural light streams into the pump room through stunning stained glass panels, something not seen since the 1930s.”
The complex was originally opened to capitalize on the success of nearby Harrogate as a spa town.
Water was pumped about four miles from Aldfield and customers were served from a basin in the entrance hall.
A swimming pool was added in the 1930s at the end of the spa garden, which is owned and managed by the city council.
Stern Properties commissioned architect Andrew Burningham to restore the building, preserving its original Edwardian facade.
North Yorkshire Council said it would salvage and reuse as much original material as possible.
Council deputy leader Gareth Dadd said Stern Properties had been chosen as the council’s preferred purchaser because of its “forward-looking plans for the future of the site”.
He said: “Ripons Spa Baths was the last of its kind to open in the UK and we wanted to ensure this listed building was preserved for the city.
“Robert Stern and his team have very exciting plans for this building, which fit in with our focus on the regeneration of our towns and city centers and the reuse of buildings.
“Welcoming new people to the hospitality sector will breathe new life into this historic building and this area of the city.
“We look forward to seeing this plan come to fruition.”
The site was listed as an asset of community value and there was a moratorium period during which bids from community groups were submitted. Since I received nothing, I was able to sell it on the open market.
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