The future of Ripon’s iconic Spa Baths has been secured, thanks to a £2 million plan by local developers, Sterne Properties. After three years of closure following the opening of the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre, the Grade II listed building will now be restored and transformed into a space that reflects both its Edwardian heritage and Ripon’s modern needs.
The historic Spa Baths, first opened in 1905, are deeply embedded in the fabric of Ripon’s community. Many local families have fond memories of learning to swim in the building’s pool, which was added in the 1930s. Once a symbol of Ripon’s spa-town ambitions, the baths were designed to bring the city some of the prosperity enjoyed by neighbouring Harrogate.
The building was purchased by Sterne Properties from North Yorkshire Council as part of a privately funded scheme. The development will see the creation of commercial hospitality units, four luxury apartments, and a publicly accessible open courtyard. Crucially, the project will preserve the building’s original Edwardian façade, with as much of the original material as possible being salvaged and reused.
Robert Sterne, Managing Director of Sterne Properties, shared his thoughts on the project: “As a local family, we are passionate about conserving Ripon’s heritage whilst encouraging new and exciting businesses to operate in our city. This scheme will continue the resurrection of the city’s spa quarter.”
The restoration plans, which include a meticulous design by local architect Andrew Burningham, aim to bring the building back to its former glory. “We want to roll the clock back to when the spa baths were built,” Sterne explained. “The original façade will be restored so it looks just as it was intended in the early 1900s. By opening up the south elevation and creating a rear courtyard, the Spa Baths will once again work as they were originally designed. Natural light will flood the pump room through the stunning stained-glass panels—something that hasn’t been seen since the 1930s.”
North Yorkshire Council played a key role in securing the building’s future. Cllr Gareth Dadd, the council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance and property, commented on the significance of the sale: “Sterne Properties was selected as the preferred purchaser because of its positive plans for the future of the site. Ripon’s Spa Baths were the last of their kind to open in England, and we wanted to ensure that this listed building was preserved for the city. Robert Sterne and his team have exciting plans for the building, which align with our focus on town centre regeneration and repurposing historic buildings.”
The redevelopment has also been welcomed by local councillors, who are eager to see the Spa Baths revitalised. Cllr Barbara Brodigan, who represents the Ripon Ure Bank and Spa division, said: “Sterne Properties has a good track record of sympathetic preservation of traditional buildings in the city. The proposals for the Spa Baths are most welcome and will contribute to both the aesthetic and economic development of the Spa Quarter.”
Cllr Andrew Williams, ward member for Ripon Minster and Moorside, echoed these sentiments, saying: “I am delighted that the building is going to be brought back into use rather than left to rot next to the Spa Gardens. I have no doubt that Sterne Properties will do a first-class job, and I look forward to seeing the finished scheme. It will complement the newly refurbished Ripon Inn and Spa Gardens, playing a major role in the regeneration of Ripon.”
The redevelopment of the Spa Baths marks another milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Ripon’s historic sites. As the city continues to evolve, the restoration of this beloved building will ensure that it remains a central part of Ripon’s story for generations to come.
