We were commissioned to work on the long term plans and activities for a first stage Heritage Lottery Bid, due for submission in 2012. Unfortunately, the council decided not to submit the bid as proposed.
For more about the continuing work at the Moseley Road Baths please visit: moseleyroadbaths.org.uk
Birmingham Conservation Trust continued to have an involvement in the project and in 2016 was a key member of the working group who were developing plans and submitting funding applications to find a long-term and sustainable use for the entire building.
Heritage Significance (this is a historic post)
The spectacular Moseley Road Baths, in Balsall Heath, is a building of national importance. It is the oldest of only three Grade II* Listed swimming pools currently operating inBritain (there are only seven national examples!). Built in 1907 it contains rare and unique features including:
· The only complete set of pre-war private ‘slipper’ baths
· Possibly the only surviving steam-heated drying racks in a British swimming baths
· Upper storey balconettes in its three-sided spectator gallery.
In October 2004 the entire building was temporarily closed for £1m emergency repair works. Pool 2 re-opened in October 2005, however Pool 1 remains closed. The baths were closed again for 15 months from December 2010 for more urgent repairs but Pool 2 is now open again for bathing. The building is currently on English Heritage’s ‘Buildings at Risk’ register.
