Scarborough Spa: New doors and windows for Scarborough's historic Grade II-listed spa

Scarborough Spa’s Sun Court and Sun Suite could be renovated and repaired with new doors and windows as part of a plan by North Yorkshire Council.

A recent survey identified age-related defects in the fabric of the building with the renovations seeking to improve the Spa’s visual appeal as well as its energy efficiency.

The works would include replacing five glazed double doors and seven window panes in the Sun Court and Sun Suite, alongside repairs to other windows.

An extensive heritage survey has been commissioned by the council to ensure that the venue’s historic significance is protected.

According to experts from Humble Heritage, the current Sun Court and Sun Suite were designed by Scarborough architect Sir Thomas Edwin Cooper and were added to The Spa complex between 1913 and 1918.

However, a glazed screen to the Sun Suite and the curved and glazed front to the bandstand – although in the original scheme – were “not built until the circa 1930s and 1950s when the chequerboard flooring was likely also added”.

Despite its architectural, cultural, and historical significance locally and nationally, “not all parts of The Spa and its internal spaces are of equal importance”, the experts said.

According to the heritage statement: “Overall, the Sun Court and Sun Suite have low historic interest but do positively contribute to the significance of the Spa.

“This is because the limited amount of surviving historic fabric erodes its authenticity and significance, but it does retain an important musical tradition.”

If approved, the repairs would also see the installation of “some new beads, occasional new sashes with electrically operated opening mechanism” and the existing vents to the glazing would be removed, while the finishes to the frames would remain white or cream in colour.

A spa building was first erected around 1700 when a mineral spring became a place of fashionable resort but originally it included “just a timber embanked terrace to the shore”.

The council is also preparing to celebrate the town’s 400th anniversary as the original Spa resort next year.