With 4.7 million pounds worth of HLF funding secured, Cleveland Pools Trust have appointed a new full-time to manage and direct the restoration of what is the last Georgian lido in existence. The project -to created a new outdoor bathing experience for Bath – is scheduled for completion in spring/summer 2021.
She’s Anna Baker and will be based in Northgate House in Bath.
A trained architect and experienced project manager, Anna joins the Cleveland Pools Trust on her return from a career break, driving from the UK to Kyrgyzstan and back. Anna has experience of historic buildings having worked in-house for the Grade 2* listed Harrods department store, leading projects of up to £8m, as well as in a consultant role in a commercial surveying and project management firm, APS Ltd in London.
She also has first hand experience of working on logistically challenging sites having completed a self-build on a Scottish island with no nearby public road access or water supply.
“I’m thrilled to be appointed and excited to lead the Cleveland Pools project into the delivery phase,” says Anna. “We’re all looking forward to returning this hidden gem to its former glory as a beloved community asset for future generations.”
Honorary president, Ann Dunlop, who founded the Cleveland Pools Trust commented: “I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to Anna on behalf of the Trust and all of our amazing volunteers who have worked tirelessly to raise funds and bring the project to this exciting stage. With Anna on board, we can now move quickly towards the critical phases of the project as we appoint contractors, begin the restoration and raise further funds.”
The Cleveland Pools is the country’s only surviving Georgian lido, hidden away in Bath, on the banks of the River Avon. Once a welcome respite from the heat of the city in the summer, Cleveland Pools was a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike until it closed in 1984.
The Cleveland Pools Trust (CPT) is determined to bring these wonderful baths back to life again.When restored, Bath will be home to the world’s first naturally treated, heated, outdoor swimming pool.
Further roles with the Trust
The Trust is also currently advertising for two further paid roles to support the project director and the trustees: a full-time Finance & Administrative Officer and a part-time Community Liaison & Volunteer Officer. Details of these are on the Cleveland Pools Trust website with a closing date for applications of 29 June 2019.
Anna Baker added, “We are also seeking a volunteer to lead our marketing and PR so do please look at our website if you feel you could help us with this important role.”
Project update
“A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes since we received the green light from the National Lottery Heritage Fund last December,” says Ann Dunlop. “The funding of £4.7m from the NLHF requires matching funding which has been achieved, although some of this is in the form of a loan from the Architectural Heritage Fund, which the Trust prefers not to use if possible. Fundraising therefore continues and we have put in place a number of events and initiatives.”
The consultant team will now be preparing documents for tendering for the contractor who will carry out the construction aspects of the project. Practical work is not programmed to start until early next year following the appointment of a contractor in autumn/winter.
“We have also planned an extensive a programme of community involvement for the duration of the delivery period. We’ll be publicising further details of this once we appoint a Community Liaison & Volunteer Officer.”
Gardeners wanted!
The Cleveland Pools Trust runs a gardening session at the pools on selected Monday mornings (see website for dates). Everyone is welcome and refreshments are provided!
