Everyone involved with the Cleveland Pools Trust in Bath has been given a huge boost when an anonymous donor recently contacted the charity and made a commitment of £100,000 towards the appeal.
This is a big step towards the Trust’s goal of raising £600,000 in matched funding before January next year. An appeals board has been set up to help reach the target, which will trigger the release of the second phase of £3.7m from HLF Stage 2. This means for every £1 donated by the public the HLF match it with more than £6.
The family, who wish to remain anonymous , said “We are very excited about helping the Trust make this historic facility available to the public again. This project combines so many things that our family enjoys — outdoor swimming, social history, architectural heritage, and the City of Bath.”
Ann Dunlop, Chair of Cleveland Pools Trust said “This came from completely out of the blue. We are absolutely thrilled by this contribution from a local family and we will do all that we can to ensure Bath residents and visitors can once again enjoy outdoor swimming in a glorious heritage setting.”
Plans for the future design and function of the Georgian open air pools were recently on public view in Bath City centre, when the public was encouraged to give their input.
About the Cleveland Pools
The 200 year-old site, which is near the centre of Bath by the River Avon, is soon to become one of Britain’s most extraordinary outdoor swimming locations once again. Closed for swimming in 1984, a Trust was formed in 2005 by local campaigners to save the Pools. In 2015 they won a development grant of £377,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to develop their current scheme. Subject to a successful Stage 2 £3.7million application construction will commence in 2017 with an opening in 2018.
The money will be used to restore the crumbling pool to its former glory, transforming it into a stunningly beautiful heritage swimming space that will be heated over the summer and open all-year-round for the use of locals and visitors alike. The Pools will be available as a hire venue for small weddings, art and drama workshops, school visits, water safety training and children’s parties.
A splash pool will be installed for younger children, and refreshments sold to visitors whether swimming or just wishing to sit and enjoy the sublime surroundings of this little heritage spot few people even knew existed.
For further information contact valentine.morby@clevelandpools.com
