Historic bath house to be restored

Historic bath house to be restored

10 September 2014

AN iconic Victorian bathing house in Ardglass is in line to be restored to its former glory.

The building, located close to the village’s marina at an area known locally as Luke’s Port, has suffered from the ravages of time, with the constant battering of wind and waves taking their toll on the historic bathing house.

The Follies Trust, a Northern Ireland charity which restores old buildings, has been given permission by Down Council to seek funding to restore the bathing house which is located on land owned by the local authority.

Councillor Dermot Curran has welcomed the plan to restore the bathing house and said he and many others in Ardglass were unaware it sits on Down Council-owned land.

He said when the bathing house was constructed by William Oglivie, the structure was regarded as one of the most fashionable watering places in Ulster, nestling on the Ardglass shoreline overlooking the ancient Ward of Ardtole.

Councillor Curran said the bathing house, which resembles a mini castle, has been in need of repair for many years.

“The time has come for affirmative action to repair the building. Erosion, rough seas and ageing have not been kind to a once proud building which many people would like to see restored,” he continued.

“I am delighted that a major step towards this happening has been taken. It’s my understanding the Follies Trust has redeveloped a number of old buildings and am delighted it views the bathing house as its next project.”

Councillor Curran said the picturesque bathing house, which is located at a prominent spot at the village harbour, has been vandalised on a number of previous occasions in the past.

“Vandal attacks and the ravages of time have not been kind to the building which is something of a focal point. It’s restoration would be widely welcomed,” he continued.

Describing the bathing house as an “integral part” of the fishing port’s past, councillor Curran said he would be delighted if it is restored.

“I have raised this particular issue many times over recent years. The restoration of this particular building would provide an added visitor attraction in the village,” he continued.

Councillor Curran added: “The bathing house is very much part of the village’s past and it would be great if it could be restored. Restoring our heritage is very important to provide today’s generation with a glimpse of the district’s past.

“I hope that when the bathing house is restored, it will be accorded the respect it deserves and not targeted by vandals. This little nugget is part and parcel of the history of Ardglass.”