At the beginning of this year the project to transform Moseley Road Baths and Balsall Heath Library entered a new phase. The recently completed latest stage of capital work has restored the façade and ‘Manager’s Flat’ and Boardroom, unlocking these interior spaces for future uses and giving swimmers and the city an exciting glimpse of what is to come. 

The work was supported by £125,000 from World Monuments Fund (WMF) for the restoration of the façade, alongside £223,000 from Historic England (HE) for the restoration of the Manager’s Flat and Boardroom, and £309,000 from Birmingham City Council (BCC) to supplement both grants. 

Executive Director of WMF Britain, John Darlington, said: “Over the last few years we have seen the Baths go from a place that was to be shut down to become an ambitious concept where heritage and health combine to regenerate Balsall Heath.  Now that concept is becoming a reality, we at WMF are proud to be part of a unique coalition of local, national and international organisations helping to make it happen.”

Deborah Williams, Head of Midlands Region at Historic England said: “We are delighted that the work to transform the Boardroom and Manager’s flat, within Moseley Road Baths, from a derelict state to beautiful, clean and  useful spaces is now complete. We are excited about the planned future uses for the community and proud to have played a key role in the renaissance of this part of the building.”

Cllr Mariam Khan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care said: “The ongoing transformation of the Baths is amazing and just shows what can happen with a strong partnership, working together for the benefit of the community. I'm so proud of the work everyone has done to breathe new life into this amazing building - a community asset, open to everyone.”

This phase of major capital work was designed to unlock interior spaces in the Baths and Library, with potential future uses in mind. The restoration of the Flat ensures a flexible space that can be used for programming and to accommodate community groups who already use the Baths for a range of activities. The completed work was unveiled to the public during Birmingham Heritage Week on Saturday 17th September 2022, with project architects Donald Insall Associates leading interior tours to showcase the newly refurbished spaces. The rooms provide a number of possibilities for groups who currently feature as part of the engagement programme at the Baths. Among these are Yoga For All, a rejuvenating and relaxing easy to follow yoga class; Chat and Splash, a group for women wanting to learn English and enjoy a free swim afterwards and Mindfulness & Stress Reduction, a 12-week workshop series currently held in MRB’s Edwardian Changing Rooms, which includes a different theme each week under the topic of mindfulness and stress reduction. The new rooms will offer groups a warm and bright welcome as well as the flexibility to incorporate private, breakout spaces into their activities.  

Donald Insall Associates said: “Moseley Road Baths is a wonderful building, of great significance in our local community, and it has been a great pleasure to work on this project and see these spaces brought back into use. Working with Mann Williams, PDQS and Chroma Conservation, we are delighted with the outcome and congratulate the contractor Quadriga on the finish of the rooms and repairs to the roof and façade. Leading tours of the spaces for the public, their reaction was extremely positive.” 

Lucy Reid, Chair of Moseley Road Baths CIO (who operate the Baths) said: “Seeing the façade after the scaffolding came down, and these interior spaces for the first time after the work had been completed was an emotional moment for many of us – these rooms were previously in an advanced state of dereliction, with huge holes in the roof, windows falling in and dead pigeons on the floor. They are totally transformed and are a brilliant statement of intent for the future. We can’t wait to see them in use. It’s an exciting time to be part of the Moseley Road Baths journey.”

The project team are now working up the next major phase of work in the masterplan to transform the Baths and Library, funded by the Levelling Up Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Birmingham City Council. Moseley Road Baths CIO are responsible for operations and programming. The spaces can be hired for community use, if you are interested in finding out more contact keepswimming@moseleyroadbaths.org.uk or visit their website for more information https://moseleyroadbaths.org.uk/.