Why can’t Laurie Grove Baths be turned back into a Swimming Pool?
Unfortunately, Laurie Grove Baths (formerly a Victorian bath house) were never owned by the College whilst they were a functioning leisure facility. Previously owned by the Borough Council, the upkeep and maintenance proved insurmountable and the facility was only purchased by the College once it was no longer functioning as a swimming pool, and the necessary pipework was removed. Sadly – and although English Heritage and other potential funding opportunities have been explored – the ongoing operational costs of a swimming facility are so large that they are only feasible as part of a larger cross-subsidised leisure complex, or provided at a large operational loss – as in the case of most public facilities.
