Grade II-listed swimming baths in Leeds set for 'crucial' six-figure makeover

A historic swimming baths in Leeds is getting an extensive makeover with the help of six-figure funding.

A £250k grant, secured with support from consultants WSP, will enable crucial modernisation work on the Grade II-listed home of Bramley Baths.

Originally opened in 1904 as a washing facility for locals, the Edwardian bathhouse was reinvented in 2013, when the facilities transferred from Leeds City Council to a new management team and became a community-led social enterprise.

WSP worked with Bramley Baths on a pro-bono project that saw the firm assist management with a national Power2Change funding bid.

The bid was successful, paving the way for the creation of an energy hub at the Edwardian building to reduce power consumption, lower emissions and improve sustainability. The works could help Bramley Baths slash energy costs by as much as 40%.

Power2Change provided cash from its Community Business Fund, while Sport England has offered an additional £75k towards the project.

Sue Stones, CEO of Bramley Baths, said the investment will replace existing ageing machinery.

She said: “This investment will ensure we can continue to provide services to the community for many years to come. WSP supported us in this crucial bid and we are all delighted with the outcome.”

Kirk Buxton, senior mechanical engineer at WSP, commented: “This was a wonderful project to work on and it was great to be involved and celebrate the bid’s success with the team.

“Not only does it give financial support to an important and historical facility it also helps secure the future of Bramley Baths as a hub for health and well-being in the local community.”