12 June 2024

Flooding Situation

Paul Simons - Chair of the Cleveland Pools Trust:

As mentioned previously, the January floods penetrated the 'water proof' plant room and vital equipment, including the electrical installations were damaged. 

Cleveland Pools Trust has taken advice on these issues and we've appointed an independent investigator to carry out an assessment on how the flood water entered the plant room. We now must wait until that investigation is complete when hopefully the Trust’s next steps will become clearer.  

Unfortunately, we're still unable to provide a timeframe for when the Pools may reopen. Cleveland Pools Trustees - who are all volunteers - are working tirelessly to ensure our wonderful community asset is reopened as soon as possible.

6 May 2024

Sadly Cleveland Pools is still closed

We'd love to give you a timeframe of when the gates may open again, but unfortunately we're unable to do that.

Paul Simons - Chair of the Cleveland Pools Trust, wanted to share this with you all:

“Cleveland Pools Trust is faced with a complex situation following this winter’s floods at the Pools. Whilst designed to resist flood damage, water did penetrate the “water proof” plant room in January and vital equipment, including the electrical installations were damaged. As a result, Investigations are underway to establish responsibilities and liabilities. Until that process has been concluded, works to repair or replace the damaged equipment cannot proceed. The Trust will issue further statements when progress can be reported and continues to regret that the pools remain closed to the public until a satisfactory resolution has been found.”

We have been genuinely touched by the extent of the support we've received, not just from our regular swimmers, but also from the wider community. Cleveland Pools Trust has worked tirelessly for over 20 years to bring the Pools back to life, and we've faced a fair few bumps on the road along that journey. This is one more hurdle and we are determined to see the Pools open again for our lovely community. Your support and understanding is helping to see us through. Thank you.

13 March 2024

Learning & Community Engagement Trustee

We are seeking a trustee to provide strategic input on meaningful community participation, identify ways to ensure diversity of community engagement and support the development of heritage learning opportunities across all age groups. If you have specialist skills in this area and are enthusiastic about contributing to the future success of the Cleveland Pools, join our friendly team!

ffi: please click here to see the job description and how to apply.

11 March 2024 - Flooding Statement with Fusion

Paul Simons – Chair of Cleveland Pools Trust

“The site of the Cleveland Pools has flooded twice since the New Year following exceptional rainfall.
The flooding issue was fully investigated and taken into consideration when designing the scheme prior to the commencement of works on site. The project was completed in September 2022 and when the site flooded in the spring of 2023 flood waters were contained and managed as anticipated.
In January ‘24 the flooding found its way into the plant room and has caused significant damage to the installations leaving the pools currently inoperable. The plant room was designed and built to be completely flood proof.
The Cleveland Pools Trust is now in the process of establishing the reasons for this failure of performance and is determined to find the quickest way possible to bring the pools back into use.
At the present time it is not possible to establish a timescale for the re-opening of the Cleveland Pools. After the enormous efforts of so many to achieve the re-opening of the pools the Trust regrets this disruption to those wishing to use and enjoy the facilities.”

Rob Taylor, Fusion’s Regional Manager.
“Fusion shares the disappointment and frustrations of the Trust around the continuing delays and are working closely with the Trust to get the Pools open as soon as possible.”

28 February 2024

Unfortunately, last week the pools flooded again, which has caused further delay with our efforts to reopen. Our apologies, we know this will be disappointing for our visitors and we’re all working hard to reopen the pools as soon as possible.

We will provide an update as soon as we know more..

14 January 2024

Cleveland Pools flooding 

As you may have heard, Cleveland Pools has unfortunately experienced extreme flooding over the past week. As a result of this, the Pools remain closed.

The teams are working hard to prepare the pools for a safe reopening, but at this time we do not have a confirmed reopening date.

If your direct debit comes out on the 15th of the month, you will not be charged for the 15th January. If your direct debit comes out on the 1st of the month, you will not be charged for the 1st February. You do not have to do anything, this will happen automatically. If you are an annual pass holder, once we reopen we will add on the duration of the closure to your current agreement.

We would like to thank the community for your continued support and patience whilst we work through this challenging time.

We'll be in touch as soon as we know more. 

5 January 2024

Cleveland Pools closed due to flooding 

In the past day the river has risen dramatically and as a result Cleveland Pools has flooded.   

We're sorry to say all swim sessions scheduled from tomorrow onwards are cancelled. 

The Fusion team, who manage the running of the Pools, is currently assessing the situation. They will provide a reopening date as soon as possible. Fusion will credit swimmers for any sessions they lose while the Pools are closed. Updates will be provided on on this website and social media channels.

Due to Cleveland Pools’ position next to the River Avon, it is anticipated that the site may occasionally flood. 

The Chair of Cleveland Pools Trust Paul Simons was closely involved in new design of the renovated Pools, and creation of plans to mitigate any flooding:

"all services were designed accordingly and set up above anticipated flood levels. The site flooded last winter and experience showed that once the river level has dropped the pools will be pumped out, jet washed down, re-filled and then the treatment circulation will recommence. This should take a number of days, not weeks. The operator and the Trust will work as quickly as possible to resume swimming at the pools as soon as is practicably possible.” 

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused to our swimmers. Please rest assured we are working hard to ensure we will be open again as soon as possible. 

12 December 2023

Xmas swim

Celebrate the winter solstice with a swim on 22 December. Christmas hats provided, festive tunes playing, and cosy fires to warm up by! The Cleveland Pools Trust will have a stall and the cafe will be serving hot drinks and light festive snacks throughout the sessions. Because of the water temperature you'll need to be 16+ to swim, but there will be loads for the kids with festive colouring competitions, activity trails, and Elf activities to keep everyone entertained. Secure your spot by booking tickets via the Fusion app, website, or by calling the office on 01225 592739. Tickets are available from Friday 15 December. All ticket prices include a FREE hot drink to warm you up after your dip.

28 November 2023

Cleveland Pools Trust is very excited to announce we're auctioning two beautiful framed paintings of the Pools by local artist Jane Riley. Bidding is open and closes at 23.59 on Sunday 17 December. You can bid on one, or both paintings. For further information and details of how to bid and the T&Cs, please click here.

1 October 2023

Cleveland Pools wins prestigious European heritage award

Earlier this year Cleveland Pools was one of the winners of the prestigious European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. The regeneration of Cleveland Pools was just one of 30 projects to be honoured as an ‘outstanding heritage achievement’, from a wide-ranging field of applications from 21 countries across the European area. The Europa Nostra Awards judges highlighted that the restoration of the Pools had been ‘driven by the local community’. They praised the use of ‘green energy and a holistic approach to reinstate the site’s original function while adapting it to 21st-century standards’. 

Paul Simons, Chair of the Cleveland Pools Trust, along with Trustees Ina Harris and Mary Sabina Stacey, went to Venice last week (at their own expense) to collect the award.  

Half term swimming

From Monday 23 to Saturday 28 October we're going to have a change in opening hours and also programme. During half term we will have a mix of general and lane swim sessions. The new hours will be: Monday-Thursday 08.00-15.30 and Saturday 09.00-14.00 

Take a look at the Fusion website or app for timings, broadly speaking it will be lane swimming in the mornings and general swim in the afternoons. 

28 September 2023

Cold Water Swimming

Following the success of our first cold water swimming workshop, we're going to be running two more sessions on Saturday 28 October at 10.00 and 12.00. The first hour will be the workshop and the second hour is swimming. 
The workshops are free and they'll be available to book from the 21 October on the Fusion app and website. 

15 September 2023

Cold Water Swimming

Cleveland Pools Trust is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our community.
As more people are becoming aware of the physical and mental benefits of cold water swimming, we want to encourage as many members of our community to try it for themselves. From September to April, Cleveland Pools will be unheated, and the water temperature will be allowed to gradually fall in line with the seasons.

Workshops - Cold Water Swimming

This September and October, we will offer four cold water swimming workshops. These will be run by Helen Webster, a Level 2 ASA Open-Water Swimming Coach, who has many years’ experience of cold water swimming and coaching.
Swimmers will learn about the benefits of cold water swimming, as well as how the body responds to dropping temperatures. Participants will gain practical knowledge including how to enter the water safely, how long you can spend in the water and how to warm up after their swim. The sessions will cover preventing cold water shock and hypothermia and managing ‘after-drop’. Finally, we will look at the kit available to use once the water is cooler.
Four workshops will be hosted. The two in September are now fully booked which indicates the level of interest in cold water swimming. Two more workshops will be held in October. Dates TBA.
Bookings will open seven days prior to the Workshop on the Fusion Lifestyle App and website. Places will be limited and given on a first-come basis. 
We will also be offering attendees an informal buddy system via WhatsApp. Swimmers will be able to join the group via this link.

7 September 2023

As Heritage open Day approaches and the Pools are about to open, we recall our own remarkable journey. Fully researched history with plentiful illustrations, priced £18 with proceeds benefitting the Trust. To purchase your copy, please email linda@clevelandpools.org.uk

30 August 2023

Operations and Facilities Trustee

We are looking for a new Trustee to join our team. This pivotal role will provide support and guidance specifically in the areas of Operations and Facilities Management. You’ll use your skills to provide commercially sound guidance and support around operational and site matters, crucial in the run up to the opening and beyond.   

ffi: please see these text and video role descriptions and how to apply.

22 August 2023

We did it! We are thrilled to announce the opening date of Cleveland Pools! The Pools will reopen to the public for swimming from Sunday 10 September 2023.

As you know, Bath’s much-loved Georgian lido was saved for future generations following a Herculean 20-year effort, led by passionate volunteers and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

To celebrate this milestone being reached, and also to mark Heritage Open Days, swimming will be free on Sunday 10 September. Spaces will need to be booked in advance.

Tickets will be available to book on the Cleveland Pools website from 10am on Saturday 2 September.

Tickets to swim will be available for three slots: 10am to 12 noon, 12 noon to 2pm and 2pm to 4pm. Please note, the water is not currently heated and is approximately 20 degrees.

All the information about opening hours, swimming timetables and entry costs for 11 September onwards will be published in the coming weeks.

20 August 2023

Cleveland Pools will be taking part in Heritage Open Day 2023 on Sunday 10 September. The pools will be open for people to visit. More details about opening times and how to book will be made available in the coming weeks. 

13 June 2023

Cleveland Pools wins prestigious European heritage award

We’re so proud to let you know that Cleveland Pools was today announced as a winner of the prestigious European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. The regeneration of Cleveland Pools is one of just 30 projects to be honoured as an ‘outstanding heritage achievement’, from a wide-ranging field of applications from 21 countries across the European area.

Europa Nostra Awards judges highlighted that the restoration of the Pools had been ‘driven by the local community’. They praised the use of ‘green energy and a holistic approach to reinstate the site’s original function while adapting it to 21st-century standards. The restoration of the Cleveland Pools in Bath is a good example of rescuing open-air pools for northern Europe, and is a great example for other similar sites across the continent.’

Paul Simons, Chair of the Cleveland Pool Trustees said: “After three national awards the Cleveland Pools Trust is delighted with this European Heritage Award from Europa Nostra. It is further evidence of the appreciation of the amazing achievement of all involved. With the construction of the pontoon to provide a river boat bus-stop now underway, the project is in its final stage and we look forward to opening the pools for swimming in the coming months”

For more information about our award please click here.
To learn more about Europa Nostra please click here.

Spring 2023

From time to time we issue project updates. In this issue we talk about progress on the installation of the pontoon, the effect of winter flooding, the transfer of management responsibilities, community site visits - and our latest award! To ensure you don’t miss future news items please sign up to our project updates request.

May 2023

Operations and Facilities Trustee

We are looking for a new Trustee to join our team. This pivotal role will provide support and guidance specifically in the areas of Operations and Facilities Management. You’ll use your skills to provide commercially sound guidance and support around operational and site matters, crucial in the run up to the opening and beyond.   

ffi: please see these text and video role descriptions and how to apply.

UPDATE - It’s been a challenging few months for Cleveland Pools - winter floods & ongoing contractual negotiations causing unfortunate delays but we can now share that work to install the pontoon and water source heat pump (that will heat the pool water) starts next week. The pontoon will enable visitors to access the site via the river. and reinforces our commitment to improving access for the community & encourages greener travel options. This work is due to finish in time for the pools to open later this year, tickets costing £4.50-£6.  

AWARD - This week the Cleveland Pools Trust won national recognition for ‘Restoration project of the Year’ at the Museum and Heritage Show Awards. This prestigious award was presented to some of the team at the annual ceremony that celebrates excellence in the heritage sector. The judges acknowledged the ‘grit & determination’ of everyone involved in the 20 year campaign to save the pools, recognising the unique challenges of the site & the exceptional community that made this restoration project possible. Thank you to each and every one of you! We are grateful to project contributors Beard Construct and Provelio for supporting the Trust’s attendance at the awards. Thanks also to National Lottery players and the Heritage Fund UK for helping make this all possible

March 2023

PR and Communications Trustee

Applications have now closed and we thank those that have applied for the position. 

Progress Update - We are very sorry for the silence from the Cleveland Pools Trust. We've been waiting until we could update with positive news but unfortunately there have been delays beyond our control - from flooding, to legal matters - so we've been unable to do so. The pools will open this summer and we hope to have more concrete information for you soon. Thank you for your on-going support

January 2023

It’s been very rainy in Bath recently and the Cleveland Pools site is no exception! Happily we had planned for excess water on site and we are now activating our flood risk plan.  We have minimal damage on site; but the ground floor of the cottage and the old ladies pool were affected along with of course the two pools which now need to be emptied and cleaned. The filtration systems will be checked and restarted. This is standard process each January for all outdoor pools. Flood precautions included in the site design mitigated any further problems. Now the waters have receded, Fusion our operator will begin the clean up. Here’s hoping for a drier February!

Autumn 2022

From time to time we issue project updates. In this issue we celebrate the renovations completion and invite our loyal audience to join us at the Bath Xmas Market.
To ensure you don’t miss future news items please sign up to our project updates request.

July 2022

News update here

June 2022

News update. here.

16 June 2022 - Grant from Bath & North East Somerset Council

Cleveland Pools Trust is most grateful for a £250,000 grant from Bath & North East Somerset Council which supports the final stages of the restoration process. Find out more.

12 May 2022 - Cleveland Pools Trust Volunteers Win Museums and Heritage Award

The Cleveland Pools Volunteer team have won ‘Volunteers of the Year’ at the Museums and Heritage Awards.

For the full story please click here.

May 2022

News update. here.

April 2022

News update. here.

March 2022

News update. here.

February 2022

News update. here.

December 2021

News update here

November 2021

2020 Marsh Volunteer Awards

We are proud to announce that our Interpretation Volunteers are the National Winners of the prestigious 2020 Marsh Volunteer Awards, which celebrate the work and achievements of museum volunteers across the UK. After winning the South West category, the Trust and its volunteers were thrilled to go on and win the National award at a smart ceremony at the British Museum in London.

November 2021

News update here

October 2021

News update here

September 2021

News update here

August 2021

News update here

July 2021

News update here

June 2021

News update here

May 2021

News update here

April 2021

News update here

March 2021

News update here

February 2021

Cleveland Pools Trust has received a Capital Kickstart Fund award of £290,000 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund for our restoration project that has been delayed as a result of the pandemic.

This is one of the latest grants, awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and builds on over £1 billion awarded to a huge range of cultural and heritage organisations from the Culture Recovery Fund last year. Ambitious projects at 22 heritage organisations, including Cleveland Pools will benefit from £13.5 million in targeted grants allocated by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restart planned work that now face delays or increased costs. The funding will be used to support the additional costs the Cleveland Pools restoration project has faced due to the impact of Covid-19. Read more here ….

February 2021

News update here 

January 2021

News update here

December 2020

News update here

Cleveland Pools features in BBC’s Bargain Hunt - Georgian Special - scroll to 30 minutes in.

November 2020

Volunteers Required

Interested in joining our talented pool of volunteers? We are currently seeking a volunteer Fundraiser to join our friendly team. These are recognised as being valued areas of skill and would be a useful addition to any CV. We are keen to hear from people of all ages, and at any stage in their working life or otherwise. For further details please click the links below.

October 2020

News update here

September 2020

News update here

Emergency funding success and an update on our plans for construction here

August 2020

News update here 

July 2020

News update here

June 2020

News update here

May 2020

News update here

March 2020

COVID-19 

The latter part of March was dominated by uncertainty and new working arrangements for all of us, while we continued work on the project from the safety of our homes. We remain committed to the restoration of the Cleveland Pools and have the full support of the NLHF in maintaining 'business as usual' as much as possible. Many of our volunteers continue to support us virtually, so if you’re stuck at home and interested in finding out more, please do get involved.

A change to our water treatment plan

When we first started the project, we were hoping to be able to use a system that replicated natural swimming ponds which traditionally use reed and sand filtration. However, following detailed investigation we have been advised that it is not practicable in our case, and therefore cannot be warrantied in any acceptable contractual form. With the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund we’ve agreed to revert to a more conventional water treatment system and have started work on a low chlorine solution to guarantee public health and safety.

Community engagement

We held a hugely successful Project Planning Workshop with around 40 attendees, to start planning how we will deliver many of the great projects that various community groups have expressed an interest in. On site, we also welcomed a group of 4th year civil engineering students from Bath University to visit Cleveland Pools as part of their coursework on historic structures.

February 2020

Flooding

We were affected by the recent storms and the site was flooded, not from the river but from groundwater. As the pool is currently spring fed, the high water table meant that it overflowed and we had a much larger pool than usual! Fortunately, we suffered no damage and the water subsided very quickly but it is a good reminder of the tricky conditions we will face during construction.

Schools visit

Our learning group has been developing learning materials in collaboration with Bathwick St Mary's primary, to support a lesson in the school and a recent visit to site which taught pupils about the history of the Cleveland Pools. We were lucky to have some rare blue sky too!

Interpretation

We now have a group of volunteers formed to help us tell the story of the Pools - they are currently working towards content for our pop-up museum 'Naked Swimming, Wooly Trunks and Trout' for World Heritage Day in April. 

January 2020

Press

We have been lucky enough to have received some great publicity recently, featuring in Circus Journal magazine, and local blog Bath Newseum. We also filmed a piece for ITV News West Country down at the Pools.

Team

We have welcomed another trustee to the team, Mike Dawson, who lives locally to the Pools and brings professional facilities and operational management expertise to the Trust. 

Volunteers

We held a hugely successful evening to say 'thank you!' to all of our amazing volunteers, and enjoyed a really interesting talk from Janet Wilkinson, co-author of The Lido Guide. We are actively recruiting for more volunteers as the project changes shape, so please take a look at our 'Get Involved' page and reach out! 

November 2019

Construction

The professional team continues to develop the technical design. To inform the detailed structural design, 5 days of site investigation works were carried out successfully. 

Drop-in session

Many local residents came to meet the team from Beard Construction earlier in the month, and heard about their plans for the logistics of the building work itself. 

Events

The Surface Treatment exhibition by Felicity Hammond opened at the Pools. This is a FREE contemporary installation exploring themes of water, architecture and time and is open until December 8th. We also had a stall at the Bath Charities fair - a good opportunity to buy our Christmas cards and puddings! 

October 2019

Construction

Following the selection of Beard Construction, they have now joined the design team and work has begun to start working through the detailed design phase.

Website

Building on the positive feedback on our new information leaflets, we have been working hard on a more modern, user friendly website which will launch by the end of October.

New staff Member

Sam Grief joined as our Community Engagement and Volunteer Officer. She will be working on developing ways in which may different people can get involved in, and benefit from, the Pools project both during the restoration and once we are operational.

15 October 2019

Community Engagement and Volunteer Officer appointed

Further to the appointment of the Project Director in June, the Trust have now taken on a part-time Community Engagement and Volunteer Officer who started on 7 October and will be based in Spaces, Northgate House. Sam Grief has worked in community engagement for 15 years…. Sam will be focused on delivery the Activity Plan, which aims to ensure as many people can benefit from getting involved in the Cleveland Pools in some way as possible.

4 October 2019

Contractor selection

Further to a successful tender process, the Cleveland Pools Trust have selected Beard Construction as our preferred contractor, and will now enter in to negotiations to agree a Pre-Contract Services Agreement for the Stage 1 design phase, ahead of looking to sign a main construction contract in the Spring of 2020.

August 2019

Construction

The Main Contractor Stage 1 Invitation to Tender has been posted on the government's Contracts Finder. The deadline for responses is 28 August. It is currently planned to re-open the Pools in summer 2021.

Drop-in event

The first of 4 drop-in events for residents of the Bathwick Estate was held on 7 August. This was well attended and very positive. We look forward to engaging with more of the local community over the course of the year.

New staff member

A Community Learning and Volunteer Officer - Sam Grief - has been appointed and will start work on 7 October.  Supporting Project Director Anna Baker, her job will be to reach out into the wider community to engage with volunteers, organisations and potential users of the Pools to promote inclusiveness and opportunities for all in society.