Built on the banks of the Avon in 1815 in a style which paid tribute to the city's crescents, Cleveland Pools is now the UK's only remaining Georgian lido. Yet it closed its doors to the public thirty years ago, and sat largely forgotten for the following decades.
That was until 2004, when local resident Ann Dunlop established Cleveland Pools Trust and secured the Council's support for community-led stewardship of the site. Since then Ann and the Trustees have worked tirelessly to maintain the site, provide limited access to the public, and pursue funding options to restore it to its former glory.
Having myself helped at a few volunteer maintenance days there recently, I have been impressed by the vision, energy and talent of the team behind the Cleveland Pools Trust. It was therefore just recognition when the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded them almost £4.5m for the restoration and reopening of the site recently.
Whilst it is important to ensure the views of nearby residents are considered in future plans, I am confident that once they reopen the people of Bath will wonder how such an historical gem managed to stay hidden for so long. The project is a fantastic example of the type of civic energy and community partnership which continues to help drive this city forward.
Steve Bradley
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Bath
St John's Rd, Bath
