What Sheffielders think about £695,000 sale of historic Turkish baths

The premises on Victoria Street were once part of the Glossop Road Baths, then in 2004 became Spa 1877 following a £2 million restoration.

However, Spa 1877 closed in September, with its owner Steve Wilkinson blaming the decision on controversial bus gates on Glossop Road in the city centre which he claimed had cost the company hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost revenue.

Offers of above £695,000 are being invited in what agents Mark Jenkinson and Son describe as a ‘one-off opportunity to buy a one-off building’.

Writing on The Star’s Facebook page, Sarah Darvelle said: “Gutted I never got to go in here.”

Reita Jacqueline suggested to a friend that they should ‘buy it and live there’, while Sarah Martin wrote: “This would be amazing if we won the lottery.”

Sarah Swift said: “I love this place and it is such a shame it closed - particularly when I'd bought my friend a birthday voucher not two weeks before. Really hope someone buys it.”

There were dozens of comments from customers who said they were awaiting refunds following the spa’s closure.

Charlotte Norris advised: “For those with gift vouchers... I got my money back by going to my bank with proof of purchase and proof it has shut. Was really easy.”

Rebecca Maclean was enthusiastic about the sale, writing that it was a ‘dream venture - yoga, beauty and wellbeing in a wonderful location’.

James Burgess said the premises would ‘make a stunning restaurant’, and Trisha Morgan reminisced: “I love this place. Been coming here since the 1970s. Wouldn’t it be amazing if it became a community resource again.”

Angela Johnson predicted: “It will be sold to a property developer, the owner will get top money - more than he gets from running the spa. Used to love to go here, such a shame.”

The Turkish baths first shut in 1990 after 127 years. The restoration 15 years ago revived many of the original features.