Ripon Spa Baths

Harrogate Borough Council proposed selling the building for housing development in 2008 on the grounds that it required significant structural repair.

[1] Unlike Harrogate, Ripon was poorly served by natural springs, having only two of note that provided small quantities of water, insufficient to supply a spa facility.

[2] Construction of the spa was begun by Ripon Borough Council in 1904, with the foundation stone being laid to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the granting of a royal charter by James VI and I.

[3] The interior is art nouveau in style with extensive use of ornamental tiles and stained-glass windows, including one depicting Æthelstan granting the city a charter in 924.

[6] The construction of the new pool at the leisure centre would require the relocation of an existing skate park and children's playground from an area which had been donated to the city by a local alderman.

Council leader Michael Gardner said: "the spa baths are worn out and the city deserves facilities of a high standard.

[1] Residents proposed that, instead of conversion to private housing, the Spa Baths be repurposed as a cinema, tourist information centre, citizens advice bureau or as an extension to the neighbouring Ripon Community Hospital.

[4] Harrogate Borough Council continued with the construction of a new swimming pool at Ripon Leisure centre anyway, expected to be finished in early 2021 at a cost of £10.2 million.

They have urged that the sale be put on hold while a community use is explored and have suggested the building becomes an art gallery, museum or bowling alley.

[10] A private buyer purchased the spa and baths complex in 2024 for £2 million, and they intend to renovate the building and develop it into a hospitality venue.