The future of a derelict former city swimming pool is uncertain, as residents have called for the vandal-hit site to be cleaned up.
Durham’s old Baths, at Elvet Waterside, was set to become the university’s new business school after plans were revealed in 2019 but were later shelved in favour of a different site.
The building has been abandoned to the mercy of vandals since 2008, with locals lamenting how the crumbling site has become an eyesore and obstructs a view of the historic cathedral.
Durham University lodged plans to convert the site into a six-storey building dedicated to business studies in 2019 and demolition work was due to start to clear the site, but a new building at The Sands was instead favoured.
Now, the university has confirmed it still owns the site but there are no immediate plans in the future.
A Durham University spokesperson said: “Any proposals for this site would be subject to the statutory planning processes, including consultation. We take the care of our estate seriously. We have measures in place to protect our premises.”
Outside the former swimming pool, the Baths Bridge is also beset by restrictions and barriers. Amid warnings of a ‘weak bridge’, Durham County Council has erected fencing while a maintenance survey is carried out.
But Alastair Wate, who crosses the bridge daily, says the barriers have been in place for a while with no signs of progress. “Every time I cross the bridge I have to be careful not to trip over the ’temporary’ barriers that have been there for many years,” he said.
“On crossing the bridge my view of our beautiful world heritage Cathedral is obscured by the derelict building, formerly known as Durham Swimming Baths. Dog walkers will be familiar with the amount of glass often found in the area as vandals have repeatedly broken windows to the east side to try and gain access.
“Given that both rely on tourists, students and visitors to create economic wealth, surely someone could start a campaign to force whoever is responsible to tidy up both areas. I would be the first to sign any petition.”
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Paul Watson, Durham County Council’s strategic highways manager, said the barriers are currently protecting the bridge from further disruption.
He added: “After a routine inspection of the footbridge found that maintenance works were required, temporary barriers were put in place to allow it to remain open while further investigations are carried out.
"The barriers will remain in place until we have determined the scope of the works required and a scheme has been finalised.”
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