Spa Meeting 7th March

Apologies for the delay in update on this, but things have been a little chaotic lately, for all of us I think!

Our long awaited meeting with the council finally took place, Councillors Paul Wood, Bryan Lodge and Denise Fox were in attendance, as was Brian Mosley from Love Sheffield (Facebook Group).

Councillor Paul Wood will chase up the fitting of a new door to the building. The only door measured for replacement was the main entrance, but we need access to the kitchen and that door cannot be opened from the outside. We are hoping that enquiries can be made regarding the roofing material that covers the Spa as repair may be more practical than replacement. We have asked about mesh placed over the downpipes from the roof to stop them getting blocked with leaves.
To facilitate greater engagement with the site and enable fundraising activities we need a toilet and ideally access to drinking water, we have asked the council for advice and/or assistance with this.

Further discussions were had regarding improving ventilation issues, which are preventing the upper floor from drying out.

The Ward Councillors are looking to fund a professionally written business plan suitable for submission to major funders. We have asked our business advisor provided by Prosper North to provide a quote for his services, because he has worked with us previously and is familiar with the Spa and our plans for it.

Friends of Birley Spa have opened an application to Heritage Lottery Fund for £10,000 to assess resilience, feasibility and sustainability of the business plan for Birley Spa. We have also registered with Social Enterprise Exchange to access further funding streams.

For these applications to be successful we need a legal document from the council to verify our status which Councillor Paul Wood has said he will acquire. The legal document will also enable us to start serious fundraising. Councillor Bryan Lodge has offered to help us with a race night.

With onsite facilities we will be able to offer tours and talks for a fee to further raise funds along with other events.

There are ongoing issues with the pond in the grounds which need to be resolved, we have now been told that the pond does not come under Parks! We have asked for urgent clarification on this.

We are now awaiting responses to all the above.

Frustratingly, the council produced a Building Better Parks Document around the end of 2018. It's purpose is to make best use of Parks by introducing businesses, such as cafes, and maximising use of green space for the benefit of all. Ironically, this is exactly what we want to do at Birley Spa, but because the Bath House does not come under the Parks Department, it was not considered in that process.

Sadly as you will be aware, we are in the grip of the Coronavirus pandemic, which will doubtless impact on what is already a painstakingly slow process. While we all hunker down for what will be a tough few months, we will be working to move things forward as much as possible.
Further update on this to follow.

Stay safe everyone!

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