Volunteers and supporters of the Cleveland Pools project were given an update this week on the latest developments around the planned restoration of this remarkable Grade 11* listed pool – the UK’s only surviving Georgian lido – which sits on the bank of the River Avon at Bathwick.
Work will be getting underway this year following a £4.7 million pound grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund – but there is still more money needed to be found.
I caught up with Project Director, Anna Baker, during her office lunch break and took her down to Parade Gardens to find out more.
Unfortunately, this is where my video camera caught a gust of wind and suffered an electronically fatal blow. Forgive me for the fact that – using my mobile phone instead – the sound quality is not so good.
Works should take between 12 and 15 months.
The Trust says it’s committed to making this a sustainable community asset, for both our near neighbours and the wider community of Bath and beyond.
To that end, it is developing a project plan to encourage various groups to get involved now, during the construction phase, and once the Pools are open.
One good example of this is a local primary school Bathwick St Marys who our volunteers are working with to develop Heritage Learning resources for Year 5. These will be used in the classroom, en route to the Pools (walking along the canal of course!) and onsite.
A direct output from this will be information to use as part of the Trust’s Family Walking Trail to encourage ‘green’ travel to the site.
Check out the Cleveland Pools site at www.clevelandpools.org.uk
