An appeal has been launched to keep the Victorian City Baths afloat after a lengthy refurbishment caused its income stream to dry up.
Chester Swimming Association, which runs the Union Street facility, is asking for help so the baths continue to serve the community as they have since 1901.
The charity is grateful to building owners Cheshire West and Chester Council for investing heavily in repairs to the roof and walls.
But committee member Chris Holden explained: “While the pools are closed, Chester Swimming Association receives very little income, and has had to rely on their cash reserves. These are now heavily depleted, yet we must continue to pay our bills during this difficult period.”
“Once the pools are open again, we need to re-build our cash reserves so that any future crisis can be dealt with promptly.”
Chris said the aim was to keep the ‘Atlantic’ and ‘Pacific’ pools open for years to come and “continue the tradition of school, youth, multicultural, leisure and competitive swimming, as well as water-polo, sub-aqua diving and triathlon” using the baths.
He added: “The construction work currently being undertaken is purely to safeguard the structure of the building, and will improve some, but not all of the facilities that we offer. We would like to upgrade the cafe area, bar, gym, swimming and changing facilities in order to make your visit a far more enjoyable experience.”
Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com and search for Chester Swimming Association, or via www.chestercitybaths.co.uk . Alternatively, donations can be sent to or left at Chester City Baths, Union Street, Chester CH1 1QP. Please make cheques payable to ‘Chester Swimming Association’.
