The much-loved Victorian Chester City Baths will reopen at the end of September following a two-year closure because of an essential £2.5m refurbishment.

Urgent work had to be carried out on the glass roofs above the Pacific and Atlantic pools of the grade II-listed baths in Union Street.

These in turn triggered repairs across the whole site including a new ventilation system and refurbishments to the changing rooms and poolside area.

Some of the investment needed special planning consent because of the listed status of the 114-year-old building.

READ: Appeal to keep Victorian City Baths afloat

Cllr Louise Gittins, cabinet member for culture, leisure and wellbeing, said: “At long last the gem which is the City Baths will soon be open to the public.

“The significant council investment of £2.5 million will make sure that the building remains a firm favourite for Cestrians and swimmers across the borough, for many years to come.

“I know that its closure has created difficulties for families and residents and I would like to thank them for their patience and welcome them back when the building opens for business at the end of September.

“I would particularly like to thank Chester Swimming Association who lease the building from us, for their forbearance and look forward to our close working relationship continuing.”

READ: City baths will reopen before the end of the year

Brian McCann, chair of Chester Swimming Association, added: “We are relieved and delighted to finally have a re-opening date to work towards. The last two years have been very difficult for our user groups and particularly for the parents of swimmers whose sessions have had to be moved to a variety of pools in and beyond Chester.

“We are extremely grateful for the council’s continuing support and for the investment they have made in the building. I know that many Cestrians have very fond memories of the baths and we look forward to welcoming many former swimmers of all standards back to the building from the end of September. I am sure they will be impressed by what they see.

“The swimming association is working with a wide range of user groups on the re-opening plans which include several new sessions. The association is also working on a number of fundraising initiatives to support further improvements to the building beyond the pool halls.”

For enquiries about the City Baths call 01244 320898.