Belfast Lord Mayor Visits Templemore Baths

Belfast’s Templemore Baths, the last remaining Victorian public baths in Ireland, is undergoing a significant £17 million restoration and extension project, spearheaded by Heron Bros. This complex scheme, slated for completion in autumn 2022, forms a key component of Belfast City Council’s broader £105 million Leisure Transformation Programme – reportedly the UK's largest such investment. The project is financed through a public-private model, with £12 million from the Council and £5 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, underscoring a viable funding structure for large-scale urban regeneration. The scope encompasses the sympathetic restoration of original heritage features, including brickwork repointing and substantial timber repairs, alongside the development of an extensive interpretive space. Crucially for the leisure sector, a new extension will introduce modern amenities such as a six-lane 25-metre pool, spa facilities, and a fitness suite, effectively blending historical preservation with contemporary functionality. This initiative highlights a significant public commitment to health infrastructure and heritage assets, offering valuable insights into the burgeoning market for integrated heritage and leisure construction projects within the UK. The multi-stakeholder involvement, including the council, heritage fund, and leisure operator GLL, exemplifies collaborative project delivery models. Read More