Swimming pools or public baths have been a part and parcel of community life in the city since the late 19th century.
The city is full of historic baths that are still running such as the Moseley Baths. Though, quite a few have closed down as well like the one in Erdington - which has recently been earmarked for transformation into a community and enterprise hub. Others have been demolished and something else stand in place instead.
Among the many historic buildings in the city, the public baths have also had to contend with the modern world. While they may not be there any more, their memories are still alive.
There are archives and records of these - and here are nine historic baths among the many that existed in Birmingham once upon a time:
1. The Moseley Road Baths
This is one of Britain’s oldest swimming baths which was saved and returned to its former glory. The 116-year-old Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham is a Grade-II star listed Edwardian pool which was opened in 1907. Photos show the 21 meter pool with changing rooms positioned down each side and an old fashioned tile pattern on the wall. It’s popular within the local community, but was closed for public swimming since November 2022 due to a fault with the pool heating system. (Photo - SWNS)
2. Stirchley Baths
This opened in 1911 and is still working having been funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund. (Photo - Google Maps)
3. Bournville Baths
Bournville Baths is situated on Bournville Lane in Bournville, close to the Cadbury chocolate factory. It was built in 1902-04 by G H Lewin. It is a Grade II listed building. The baths have not been use for some time now. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
4. Kent Street Baths, Gay Village
Kent Street Baths were the first to be opened by Birmingham Baths Committee in 1851. It was designed by D. R. Hill. It had been damaged severely during World War II. In September 2009, it was demolished and there’s an apartment building at the site now. (Photo - Erebus555/CC BY-SA 3.0)