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YOUR CART

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Our Campaign

Our campaign to save Birley Spa began in the summer of 2018, following an enquiry from a former resident of Hackenthorpe who happened to visit the Spa and was dismayed to see the state of it, neglected and disused for nearly 10 years. He was informed by the council that it was about to be sold. The Friends of Birley Spa was formed shortly afterwards and the battle began.
The sale was withdrawn and we barely had time to celebrate before the council announced the building was to be put up for auction on 4th September. On 30th August at a Public meeting organised by Friends of Birley Spa, our MP Clive Betts was able to state that the auction had been postponed, possibly indefinitely. We were to have a meeting with the council to discuss our plans to secure the future of the site.
Prior to the meeting an application had been submitted to make the Spa an Asset Of Community Value, which meant the council would have to give us 6 months notice to sell the building, this was granted at the beginning of November. Within a fortnight they gave us notice they were to sell the building in 6 months.
We finally had our meeting with the council in December. During this it became apparent that the fundamental issue with the councils view of the situation as opposed to ours is that the building comes under one department and the grounds come under another. We, and everyone who knows and loves the site view it as a whole, because it is. 
The spring rises in the Bath House and flows through the plunge pool into the stream, which feeds the pond, which then returns to a stream, which flows through to the Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve. Selling the building, despite it being listed and having caveats regarding heritage and water source, is a recipe for disaster. See sheffieldoldtownhall.co.uk/ if you think we are wrong.
At the conclusion of the meeting we were invited to produce a viable business plan.
On 5th March 2019 we had a meeting with the council, where we were to showcase our business plan. We were, however, prevented from doing this as Property services intend to offer a conditional tender to selected interested parties. To hear ours would be a conflict of interest. This totally contradicted what we had been told.
We have another meeting towards the end of March where we hope to hear that this process has been halted.

7/15/2019 0 Comments

Differing Views

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Visit Birley Spa, Friends of Birley Spa Plan for the Future
Through a collaboration with Friends of Birley Spa and the Karma Hub an oasis of tranquillity, relaxation and nature has been created.
Karma Hub offer Yoga, holistic and wellbeing practices and classes on the upper floor of the Victorian Bath House with glorious views over the gardens to the pond surrounded by aged woodland and an abundance of wildlife. There is an onsite Vegan/ clean food Café with seating on the patio to complete your wholesome experience. Maria and Claire look forward to welcoming you.
The Karma Hub Space can be hired out for other functions including weddings, meetings etc. It is also the home of the local brownie/guide group.
On the lower floor in the former museum and Coal Hole is the FOBS Den. From here we conduct history talks and tours and co-ordinate events. (We are rather good at Halloween and Christmas, but other times of the year are available!) There is also a guide to the Sculpture Trail, information on the Shirebrook Valley and amenities within the local area.
Most weekends we offer a Pop-up Café with home-made bakes and our signature lamb bake. Water and biscuits are available to our four-legged friends.
To the right of the Café, the Plunge Pool can be viewed, for current bathing times please see the notice board. The waters at the Spa are purified through ozone making them perfect for those who cannot bathe in chlorinated water. We have Spa weekends twice a month, prices available on request.
The Plunge Pool and Den can also be hired for photoshoots.
There are Victorian and Steampunk events throughout the year, check our website for details.
There is a multi-functional space beyond the Plunge Pool which is used regularly by the WEA for heritage classes, this area is also available for hire and is particularly suitable for childrens parties as the children can access the gardens and the gates can be closed for security if necessary.
The enclosed Victorian gardens reflect a bygone era where much of the planting was as relevant for its use in herbal medicine as for its beauty.
Although the grounds are still being gradually restored, with help from Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, to best help the nature of our area, and encourage new species, we are happy for volunteers to join us on our fortnightly sessions.
Throughout the summer months we offer Forest Schools for various age groups, please contact Claire for further information and booking.
The Sculpture Trail has work from local artists Stoneface Creative and Jason Heppenstall as well as community built installations involving local schools and adults with learning disabilities.
The newly installed childrens playground to the side of the disabled carpark, is a safe environment for under 10s.
Disabled parking and access to the Spa and grounds is from Dyke Vale Way. Parking is available on Dyke Vale Road.

The Councils View
Prestigious office or residential use.
The group may be able to have an involvement with the Spa.
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