Delays hit reopening of historic Turkish baths

The Health Hydro - where the baths are located - is due to reopen in 2026

Delays have impacted plans to reopen a town's Turkish baths by early 2026.

The Grade II*-listed Health Hydro building in Milton Road, Swindon, is currently the subject of a major restoration project.

Originally constructed in 1891, works to transform the entrance, gym and changing rooms are due to be complete by 2026, when the Hydro will open to the public, but improvements to the Turkish baths will take longer.

Marina Strinkovsky, of Swindon Borough Council, said: "I'm sad that the baths won't be reopening along with the gym and the pool, but we're working hard on funding and refurbishment plans to reopen them as soon as possible."

Funding from Historic England has allowed specialist conservation teams to begin work to improve the roof of the Turkish baths relaxation room.

Ms Strinkovsky continued: "The Turkish baths are absolutely iconic, which is why it's important we take the time to do this refurbishment correctly. Ensuring the roof is weatherproof and secure will be key to making improvements to the interior possible."

Swindon Borough Council has received planning permission for a second phase of works at the Health Hydro which will include improvements to ventilation, accessibility and further conservation work.

The baths were built by the Great Western Railway (GWR) Medical Fund as part of the Health Hydro

Funding for this is yet to be secured, with the local authority working to identify funding options.

Barnaby Rich, Swindon Partnership Manager at GLL, the charitable social enterprise which operates the Health Hydro said: "We are very supportive of Swindon Borough Council's efforts to restore and revitalise the Health Hydro and the phased approach to what are complex renovations.

"Restoring the roof of the Turkish baths relaxation room is an important first step, which will then enable interior works to take place in due course."

The Health Hydro was built by the Great Western Railway (GWR) Medical Fund in 1891.

The provision of wash baths, swimming baths, Turkish baths, alongside a comprehensive medical service in one building, sought to put into practice Swindon's motto: Salubritas Et Industria - health and industry.