Thanks to £5million National Lottery funding, Belfast City Council are leading on the restoration and expansion of east Belfast’s Templemore Baths.

They are the sole surviving Victorian public baths in Ireland and one of a very small number across the United Kingdom still in existence today.

"We hope that many more people will have the opportunity to explore the unique heritage of this important Belfast landmark.”

Many of the historic building’s original features will be sympathetically restored, including the existing swimming pools, original slipper baths and caretaker’s house.

New exhibition and learning spaces will be created to tell the baths’ story. Locals and tourists will have the opportunity to get involved, including through tours, schools and volunteers activities.

Mukesh Sharma, Chair, Northern Ireland, The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “This is a significant investment which will not only preserve the fabric of the building itself, but seek to uncover the fascinating history and many stories connected with its past.

“As a result, we hope that many more people will have the opportunity to explore the unique heritage of this important Belfast landmark.”

Restoration works are due to complete by Autumn 2022 and the entire project by February 2024.