The Victorian Society has joined campaigners calling for public access to the Edwardian spa building in front of the pool to be worked into any future plans for the site.

Concerned that demolition of the 1936 pool hall and ensuing residential conversion would make little provision for maintenance of the building and block public access, the Victorian Society is urging Harrogate Council to rework the plans.

Following the Council's surprise refusal of planning permission for a replacement pool on nearby Camp Close last month, campaigners from Ripon Civic Society and the Ripon Spa Partnership now hope that another solution may be found for the historic building.

"This is a crucial time for Ripon Spa Baths," said Alex Baldwin, Conservation Adviser of the Victorian Society.

"We understand the Council's need to find an economically viable use for the site, but this should not be at the expense of the building's long-term future or Ripon's shared heritage. Provision for maintenance and public access must be part of the plans, whatever use is decided on."

Civic pride

She continued: "Buildings like Ripon Spa Baths were built as expressions of civic pride and for the benefit of the whole community.

"It would be a great shame if the closure of the pool meant people could no longer access the spa building. We urge Harrogate Council to take the community importance of this nationally significant structure into account so that Ripon residents can use and enjoy it for many years to come."

The Victorian Society is now looking for buildings to feature in its top 10 endangered buildings list for 2008.
Details at www.victorian-society.org.uk