In 1985, a new brine baths complex was opened on the site of the old one.

BMI Healthcare was given permission to build a private hospital on council-owned land to the rear of St Richard’s House on condition it operated a public spa facility for 25 years.

The only working spa town in the country, Droitwich became a leading member of the British Spas Federation… but it wasn’t to last.

In hindsight, the 25-year lease seems ridiculously short because 23 years into the agreement BMI unexpectedly shut the baths, blaming spiralling maintenance costs.

They negotiated a £200,000 compensation package with Wychavon District Council, which pledged to reinvest the money into a new brine facility.