Tender open for redevelopment of Warrenpoint Baths

Newry, Mourne and Down Council have opened a tender process seeking Expression of Interest from suitable companies to undertake the redevelopment of the Warrenpoint Baths site on the sea front in the town.

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The tender explains the project would "provide social, economic and sustainable contribution to the townscape and context of Warrenpoint, whilst also benefiting to the life cycle and longevity of a landmark building in the centre of Warrenpoint."

Planning permission has been approved for the redevelopment of the site, to include refurbishment and extension of the existing Adventure Centre, community function room, seaweed baths/spa, coffee shop and external venue space, public toilets and all associated site works.

Warrenpoint Baths were constructed on the beach, on the seaward side of the coast road opposite the end of Queen Street. The construction was instigated by Warrenpoint Urban District Council in 1905 (with financial backing from Great Northern Railway Company who also owned the nearby hotel) and completed in 1908.

After the Second World War extensive renovations were carried out and the Baths were reopened in 1950. The existing structure largely dates to this refurbishment. The Baths closed in the 1960’s before being briefly reopened in 1984.

The tender explains the site layout "The existing structure is low and is generally built below the level of the adjoining sea wall. The Baths project out into the tidal zone of the sea (thus at times the sea will be lapping at the upper edge of the structure whilst at others the structure will be fully exposed) and are accessed by a concrete walkway at the end of which is a kiosk. The walkway forms the roof of a building underneath.

"To the immediate north of the kiosk are a set of quarter turn concrete steps which lead down to a semi basement below the kiosk with changing rooms on each side. Ladies changing rooms are to the north and male changing rooms to the south of the kiosk. The pool is accessed by way of a set of wide concrete steps to the north of the pool opposite the ladies changing rooms."

Closing date for applications is 3 April 2020.