Bramley Baths set to reopen today

Bramley Baths is set to reopen today following four months of closure during the lockdown.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

David Wilford, the Chief Executive of the Baths has only been in the role for a month.

However, he said he has been able to implement 'five important steps' to keep the public safe and the baths has now beaten their expected opening date.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

David Wilford said: “It’s been an interesting first month in the job for me!

A swimmer at Bramley Baths.A swimmer at Bramley Baths.
A swimmer at Bramley Baths.

"Although I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, I found I was working with people who had tremendous enthusiasm for the Baths and in my first few weeks I have been able to put in place five important steps to keeping the public safe and we are now able to open ahead of our original target date.”

Local Councillor Caroline Gruen said she is is delighted both at the re-opening and the fact that people who have been kind enough to help the Baths through this period of uncertainty by signing up as a Friend of the Baths.

Those who have donated have been invited in early for a free swim.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Councillor Gruen hopes that once the Baths are open, lots of people will be back for their regular swim.

Safety measures put in place should keep everyone healthy and well while accessing the building and pool, the councillor added.

Councillor Caroline Gruen, the Vice Chair of the Bramley Baths Board said: “We are absolutely delighted to have reached the point at which we can offer this beautiful, historic facility to the public once again.

"It has been a long hard struggle financially, and the Board has worked amazingly hard to keep us financially afloat and ensure that all our staff keep their jobs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I would like to thank all the staff, all members of the Board and our amazing new Chief Executive, David Wilford, who between them have worked miracles to keep our lovely Baths safe.”

The Right Honourable John Battle, Chair of the Board added: “As the leader of the first campaign to save the Baths, which was originally a Council Baths, by making it a community run service, I have seen it go from strength to strength.

"We had established a really successful, friendly, popular Baths, and then the pandemic happened.

"So I am doubly pleased that due to the commitment of everyone at the Baths and the loyalty shown by our Friends and members, we have pulled through and saved the Baths a second time.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A message from the Editor: Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.