Newcastle Turkish Baths listed as community asset

The Turkish Baths opened in 1928

Campaigners fighting to save a swimming pool have been successful in a bid for it to be registered as an asset of community value.

Newcastle City Pool and Turkish Baths closed in March as part of the city council's £100m budget cuts.

The Grade II-listed building, which is owned by the council, is now empty.

Its listing as a community asset means if it were put on the market, community groups would have six months to develop a bid to manage and run it.

'Exploring options'

A spokesperson for Save Newcastle City Pool and Turkish Baths said: "They are an unique leisure facility for the city and an important from a heritage and historical point of view being one of only 13 Turkish Baths remaining in use in the country.

"This is an important step in our campaign to re-open the baths for the people of the city."

The move was also welcomed by the council, which granted the listing.

Tony Durcan, assistant director of customers, culture and skills, added: "We have not yet made any formal decision on marketing the city pool and we are exploring the options available.

"Once we are able to ensure the future of the City Hall's services, we will be in a better position to decide on our approach."