Member Article

Fusion adds to Newcastle Turkish Baths regeneration plans

Fusion Lifestyle, which last month appointed Napper Architects to design the redevelopment of the Newcastle City Hall, Pool and Turkish Baths site, is making further headway on the project by submitting plans for increased disabled access.

The application covers Listed Building consent for changes to the façade to create better access for disabled people, with lifts being installed either side of the main entrance.

Current wheelchair access to City Hall is provided via a side door entrance or the stage door. If approved, the lifts will allow direct access for wheelchair users to the front of the City Hall, for the first time.

London-based Fusion is currnetly setting out further details of the redevelopment including the addition of a gym, spa facilities, studios and café to convert the site into a modern health and wellbeing facility for the city.

Anthony Cawley, Head of Asset Management at Fusion Lifestyle, said: “We intend to create a fabulous facility that should be available to be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

“At Fusion Lifestyle it is our mission to provide facilities that enable a new standard in health, wellbeing and vitality for all and as part of that, increasing access for people with disabilities is of great importance to us.

“We have ensured that our plans have been drawn up to be sympathetic to the design of these historic leisure facilities, while bringing them up to date for 21st century use.”

In September 2015 Fusion was selected by Newcastle City Council as preferred bidder to restore, redevelop and reopen the site in partnership with the Newcastle Theatre Royal. Fusion is backed by the Reopen Newcastle’s Turkish Baths and City Pool campaign group.