Green light for improvements at historic Sheffield swimming pool after bosses amend plans
Plans amended over concerns from heritage expert
Officials have given their backing to a big refurbishment at a historic Sheffield swimming pool, after plans were amended.
Sheffield Council has agreed to give special permission to the Zest Centre, in Upperthorpe, to transform the changing rooms at the venue, which dates back to the 1890s.
Bosses at Zest, the community charity which runs the pool, are concerned that its current old fashioned facilities are no longer good enough.
They drew up a report for the council which stated: “The existing changing accommodation is dated and no longer fully compliant with modern accessibility and operational standards.
“The proposed refurbishment seeks to improve accessibility, privacy, functionality and energy efficiency whilst supporting the long-term sustainability and continued community use of the Zest Centre.”
The changes needed listing building planning permission because of the Grade II listed status of the building, but that has now been granted after Zest agreed to make changes to the plans to preserve heritage features.
A council report into the plans, ahead of the authority’s decision to approve them, stated: “Although the building has been substantially altered internally over time, elements of historic interest remain, including aspects of the historic changing room layout and surviving historic finishes such as bullnose brickwork.
“The Conservation Officer initially identified potential less than substantial harm arising from changes to the historic internal layout and the treatment of surviving historic fabric. Further information and amended plans were therefore requested in relation to the proposed layout, existing finishes, floor construction, bullnose brickwork, suspended ceiling and the positioning of the accessible toilet facilities.
“The applicant has now provided the requested additional information and amended plans. These have been reviewed by the Conservation Officer, who is satisfied with the amendments and raises no objection to the proposal.”
The alterations are expected to significantly improve accessibility and inclusivity by providing bigger disabled changing rooms, more accessible toilets, family changing facilities and improved circulation space. They said it would also improves user privacy.
Tatlow Stancer Architects had written statement to accompany the application. They stated: “The refurbishment will help secure the continued long-term use and viability of this important community facility while respecting its historic context and heritage significance. “
They also described how the library was originally constructed in 1876 to the designs of architect EM Gibbs, with the adjoining public baths added later in 1895, designed by Charles Wike.
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In 2003, both buildings were refurbished and repurposed into the Upperthorpe Netherthorpe Healthy Living Centre, now known as the Zest Centre.
The Upperthorpe Public Library building holds Grade II listed status, whilst the former baths are regarded as ‘curtilage structures’ associated with the listed building.
The baths are widely used by the local community for swimming lessons as well as public swimming.
The pool has closed until the autumn with work being carried out.