Turkish bath hopes boosted by architectural grant

Plans to reopen a Victorian Turkish baths have been given a boost by an almost £46,000 grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund.

The Grade II listed facility on James Street in Carlisle closed in 2022 due to high running costs and The Friends of Carlisle's Victorian and Turkish Baths are working on plans to restore the building.

The money will help to fund a full measured survey of the building, the development of a business plan and a conservation appraisal of the baths.

Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer said the £45,900 grant was "a really important step in developing the plans that will secure a sustainable future" for the site.

He said: "These baths are a much loved and truly unique part of our city's heritage, and it's fantastic to see the Friends of Carlisle Victorian and Turkish Baths continuing to develop such an ambitious and community‑focused vision".

The Friends are working closely with the Labour-led council to secure a community asset transfer, which would allow the charity to apply for larger grants to fund the renovation of the heritage building.

The Friends hope to add more spa facilities to the baths with treatment rooms alongside a laundry hub and a cafe.

There are only 13 working Turkish baths left in the UK and the group hopes to preserve the 142-year-old building.

Matthew Mckeague, CEO of the Architectural Heritage Fund, said: "We are pleased to support The Friends of Carlisle Victorian and Turkish Baths through this latest grant.

"As well as saving an important heritage asset, refreshed and reopened the baths could serve Carlisle and visitors to the city once again.

"This next stage of development will test the various ideas for the baths - we look forward to seeing how the proposals develop."

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