Thanks everyone - I am sold on retaining the tub. I am a nomad - this is home number 7 and whilst I fantasise about a forever home, I have declared it before only to get itchy feet.. Ellen you sell the soak really well. The 21 year old son (who usually uses this bathroom) promises he is leaving home soon. I might create a seriously girly bathroom /laundry which might make a long bath appealing rather than a gross prospect. I can mediate to the sound of the dryer tumbling around.

I think this post would have been better suited to the Design Dilemma forum with some images! Hope the reno went well.

I would say this is to short. Your bath should be 150 mm from the wall + 75mm standard splash you are at 225mm. The water would land on the edge /rim of your bath. But do not fret. You could install free standing a timber shelf. Above bath for soaps etc and then have the spout mounted onto this? Or just get a new spout?

Aluminium does under go oxidation, although it is white. Unlike iron oxidation which is orange. If the tile is designed for use in a wet area it is probably coated or anodised to prevent white oxidation. Check if cleaning will be a hassle (risk stripping the coating).