WORK to redevelop the historic Grade II listed Newcastle City Pool and Turkish Baths in Newcastle upon Tyne has started.

The Pool and Turkish Baths – which holds fond memories for many locals – first opened in 1928 and closed to the public in April 2013.

Now developer Fusion Lifestyle, in partnership with a group of specialist companies including leisure, design and build expert Createability, will begin the £5m renovation of the city centre building.

An expert team will begin work immediately on the project, which has faced unforeseen delays often associated with buildings of this age.

Fusion, a registered charity, has developed exciting plans to bring the pool, Turkish baths and spa back to life, and add a fitness suite and café bistro to the site.

The plans include restoration of the Turkish baths and swimming pool, the creation of a new state-of-the-art fitness suite, glass fronted conditioning studios on the first and ground floor and contemporary changing areas.

Works will also deliver a new spa which will offer a range of treatments and improved access for disabled people.

It is estimated the works will be completed by the summer of 2019.

Anthony Cawley, operations director at Fusion Lifestyle, said: “We’re delighted to start the exciting work to bring the Newcastle City Pool and Turkish Baths back to life for a new generation.

“The reinvigorated venue will bring between 100 to 150 jobs to the city once re-opened.”

Fusion Lifestyle secured planning permission and listed building consent from Newcastle City Council in 2016 after spotting the historic venue thanks to the community campaign to save the building by Re-open Newcastle Turkish Baths and City Pool Group.

The charity – which runs leisure venues across the UK – reinvests profits back into its operations to provide affordable health and fitness facilities for communities.

Leader of Newcastle City Council, Councillor Nick Forbes, said: “It’s great to see redevelopment work starting on this historic city treasure. This is a beautiful building that we were determined would not be lost to the city.

“Newcastle has been through a lot of difficult changes as a result of Government austerity, and we have had to search for new ways of providing the services residents want and depend on.

“The investment about to go in to the City Pool is a great example of that. Newcastle City Council said we would not turn our back on leisure facilities and keep all options open, and by working with Fusion we see this building saved for people to enjoy.

“This time next year we’ll be getting ready for a renewed City Pool bringing with it at least 100 jobs to our city centre. I look forward to that next step.”

Ian Cotgrave, managing director of Createability, said: “The restoration plans will turn this historic 1920s building into a stunning leisure destination fit for 21st Century use.  

“We have more than 20 years’ experience working alongside leisure trusts, including Fusion, sensitively redeveloping and refurbishing old leisure venues and this has to be one of the most exciting projects we have worked on to date. We cannot wait to reveal the beautiful facilities to the local community once more.”

The works will include careful restoration of many of the building’s original features, such as the original 1920s pool tiles, wood-panelled changing rooms and terrazzo flooring in the Turkish baths.

Cait Read of the Re-open Newcastle Turkish Baths and City Pool Group said: “We are delighted that work will finally start to restore and re-open Newcastle City Pool and Turkish Baths.

“What great news, in this year that is the 90th anniversary of the building first opening its doors to the public, that it will be restored, renewed and will re-open serving the people of Newcastle and visitors to the city as was originally intended.

“We will continue to be involved alongside Fusion to ensure that the building re-opens as an affordable and accessible facility for all.

“We are also planning to explore the unique heritage of the City Pool and City Hall building and to mark the 90th anniversary of its original opening in 1928.”

For more information and to register for updates, please visit www.citypool.co.uk.