Location

A Sensory Exploration of Newcastle City Baths Introduction

‘Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life’ (Swinton Estate, 2020, pg. 10).

Aiming to improve health and wellbeing across the city, the refurbishment of Newcastle’s City Baths aims to ‘become a new, iconic destination for health, vitality and wellbeing’ (RIBA, 2019).

This chapter explores how the regeneration of Newcastle City Baths has created a new exciting experience for the city and how the enhancement of each sense has been incorporated into the architectural design.

The regeneration of the Grade II listed building, built in Neo-Georgian style, includes an impressive Turkish baths, 25m pool and sauna as well as fitness and wellbeing facilities. The relationship between the water and architectural design are key elements to ensure that a sensory and memorable experience is created. Built in 1928, the baths were designed by the architects Nicholas and DixonSpace, ensuring that existing features are retained. The facility provided an experience for the community and its users until the closure by Newcastle City Council in 2013 (Historic Pool, 2020). Fusion Lifestyle, who have invested over £6m into the refurbishment, have now taken over the baths in order to bring Newcastle a new immersive space that rejuvenates and relaxes the body and mind which ultimately improves mental health and wellbeing.

Neighbouring the City Hall, Newcastle City Baths is located on Northumberland Road and has a prime location within the city with easy transport and access links. Surrounded by a variety of public buildings, for example, churches, sport centre, cinemas, the City Baths is one of few buildings in the city which creates an experience for its users through the use of water and the senses, ultimately benefiting health and wellbeing across the city.

Fig 18 | Map of Newcastle City Centre and key buildings (Author’s own, 2020)

Church of St Thomas the Martyr City Pool

Newcastle City Hall Newcastle Unitarian Church

Sport Central

St James’s United Reformed Church