Bridge plan sparks talk about dilapidated baths

Durham Baths closed in 2008 and plans to turn it into a business school were shelved

Plans to replace an old city centre bridge have sparked discussion about what should happen to a neighbouring derelict swimming pool.

Since its closure in 2008, residents have complained of the old Durham Baths at the city's Elvet Waterside becoming an eyesore and marring views of the cathedral.

The announcement that £7.5m had been allocated to replace the nearby Baths Bridge sparked hope the building's owner, Durham University, would draw up plans for the site.

A spokesman for the university said they were "mindful of the need for a long-term solution" for the building.

The old pool, which was built in 1932, was due to be turned into a business school, but the university later shelved the plan in favour of an alternative site at The Sands.

Durham County councillor David Freeman, of Elvet, Gilesgate and Shicliffe ward, said it "desperately" needed redeveloping.

Mary Kelly Foy, City of Durham MP, also backed the call to renovate the site.

"I hope [the bridge replacement] is part of a wider transformation of the Elvet Waterside area of the city," she said.

No current proposals to renovate the building have been submitted.

A Durham University spokesperson said: "Any proposals for this site would be subject to the statutory planning processes, including consultation."

The bridge project is expected to be completed by spring 2027, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The pedestrian crossing connects Pelaw Leazes Lane and Elvet Waterside and was the site of Durham Regatta's commentary box until about five years ago.