Magnificent! Beverley Road Baths reopen after £3.75m refurb
RESPLENDENT: The refurbished Beverley Road Baths
A jewel in the crown of Hull’s leisure facilities has reopened to the public after a stunning £3.75m restoration project.
Beverley Road Baths, which first opened in 1905, opened its doors to residents today with the lure of an immaculate refurbishment, the restoration of many original features, a new gym and sauna, and opening day offers including swims for just a penny.
The baths were officially reopened by the Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Lynn Petrini, following a short speech by Hull City Council leader Daren Hale.
Coun Hale said: “This is a fantastic day for the Beverley Road community, for the central ward, represented by Councillor [Aneesa] Akbar, and, I think, everybody in Hull.
BIGGER AND BETTER: The new gym, built over the former ladies’ swimming pool
“It’s been a difficult year or two with Covid and it’s so good to be here today at the reopening of this fantastic 116-year-old facility.”
He said local authorities had too often “swept away their history and swept away their heritage”, building new facilities that were often centralised in city centres, but that was “not here in Hull”.
“Hopefully it will be good for the next 116 years,” he said.
Coun Hale also said that the original £27,000 cost of the baths to the authorities of the day was roughly about the same as the newly completed refurbishment .
HISTORY: The original Edwardian wooden seating
Coun Petrini said: “I was so excited to come today I turned up a week early.”
The mayor was later seen braving the steam room in her ceremonial robes, and trying out an exercise bike.
As well as a new gym built over the former ladies’ pool, the old gym has been refurbished.
The original Edwardian wooden seats - about 120 of them - have also been restored, as have the original wall tiles - which were still there but hidden behind two other sets put up in the 1970s and 90s.
FOCAL POINT: The site was once a popular fairground
The facility, which closed to the public in June last year, also has benefited from new and improved steam and sauna facilities, and internal refurbishment works to the poolside and all changing facilities.
Other works include the renovation of the main reception, and essential repairs to the Grade II-listed building, with a new roof and roof lights, as well as refurbished windows.
The mechanical and electrical systems have also been replaced and upgraded to modern standards, along with the installation of a new ventilation system.
There are also solar panels on the roof.
SPOTLESS: The new plant room
The project has been delivered by Hull Esteem Consortium LEP Ltd.
Gavin Barley, general manager of Hull Esteem, said: “Beverley Road Baths is part of Hull’s heritage and it has been fantastic to bring it back to life, whilst also preserving and restoring some of the original features and structure of the building to stay true to its rich history.
“Throughout the development process, we’ve worked closely with the conservation team to ensure we approach the refurbishment sensitively and sympathetically.
“The building will play a significant part in the health and wellbeing of Hull’s residents for many years to come, and we hope the public are as excited as we are for its reopening.”
There were three pools when the baths opened in 1905, the mens’ and ladies’ swimming segregated as “combined swimming was not permitted”.
WALKING IN THE STEPS OF LEGENDS: Musician Louis Armstrong performed at the baths in 1933
Before the baths were built the site used to host a busy fairground.
The baths have a rich and varied history, including a performance by music legend Louis Armstrong on October 12, 1933.
Regular opening times are 7am – 9pm Monday to Friday, and 8.30am – 3.30pm at weekends, with last admissions 45 minutes before closing.
There is a 10 per cent discount on new membership this week.