19th February 2026
Cleveland Pools: Progress Update

The Cleveland Pools Trust is sharing an update on its work to understand the damage discovered following the floods of January 2024, and what is required to reopen the Pools.

Since our last update, the Trust has completed a series of detailed technical and engineering investigations into the condition of the Pools, including the plant room and the structure beneath the main pool. These surveys were complex and time-consuming, involving specialist engineers and contractors.

The investigations have now confirmed the full extent of the damage and the remedial work required. In addition to the previously reported flooding of the plant room and equipment, there is damage to pipework beneath the main pool that will require repair. The Trust is currently finalising cost estimates for the remedial works needed to restore the site.

The scale of the work required means that reopening the Pools will involve a significant funding challenge. Identifying a viable route to investment is now the Trust’s primary focus.

When the Pools were originally restored, the design took account of climate change and flood risk. As part of the proposed repair works the Trust is also considering whether further changes could be made to improve the site’s resilience to future extreme weather events.

Cleveland Pools is owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council and is held on a long-term lease by the Cleveland Pools Trust, a small, local heritage charity established to bring the Pools back into community use. The original restoration was made possible thanks to support from a wide range of trusts, heritage bodies, donors, companies and individuals.

Together, this support enabled over £9½ million to be raised, and for the restoration work to begin in April 2021. The Trust completed the restoration work in 2022 and sublet the property to a specialist leisure operator, Fusion Lifestyle, experienced in operating lidos, on a long-term, full repairing and insuring sub-lease prior to opening to the public in 2023.

The reopening of the Pools was widely celebrated, attracting national recognition and multiple awards for community engagement, volunteering and conservation, including a prestigious European conservation award in 2023. It has therefore been deeply disappointing for everyone involved to see the Pools close again so soon after reopening.

Despite the setbacks of 2024 and the significant challenges now facing the project, the Trustees remain determined to see swimmers return to the Pools once again. Alongside this work, the Trust is rebuilding and strengthening its trustee board and skills, including the appointment of a new Chair, to ensure it continues to have the capacity and leadership required to manage the next phase of restoration and public investment responsibly.

The Trust is exploring the options for restoring and reopening the Pools. Some elements of the original design may need to be reconsidered, which could involve further permissions and additional time before work can begin.

The Trustees believe this effort will be worthwhile if the oldest public open-air swimming pools in Britain can once again be enjoyed as a valued community asset, supporting health, wellbeing and year-round access to swimming.

In the meantime, the Trust remains hugely grateful to its volunteers and supporters who continueto care for the site and stand behind the future of Cleveland Pools.

Peter Askew
Chair, Cleveland Pools Trust

We are pleased to be member of the Historic Pools of Britain who celebrate, champion and campaign for historic pools, giving them a shared voice throughout the country, alongside providing opportunities for mutual support and learning.