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:
5. Green Lane Baths
Green Lane Baths opened in 1902. It provided first and second class swimming baths and first and second private baths for men and women. It has been taken up by Green Lane Mosque now. (Photo - Oosoom/e GNU Free Documentation License) | Oosoom/e GNU Free Documentation License
6. Harborne Baths
Designed by architects Crouch, Butler and Savage, this public bath on Lordwood Road opened on 13 December 1923. It was demolished in 2010 and a modern leisure centre sits there now. (Photo - Andy Mabbett/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported) | Andy Mabbett/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
7. Erdington Public Baths
This public bath offered a swimming bath, suites of washing baths for men and women and Turkish baths. It opened in 1925 and has been lying closed for some time now. In 2022, Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) submitted plans to Birmingham City Council for transforming the site for better use. West Midlands Combined Authority has confirmed it has set aside £2m to transform it into a community and enterprise hub in March 2024. (Photo - Google Maps) | Google Maps
8. Sparkhill baths
The baths, designed by architect Hurley Robinson, opened on 29 July 1931. It had swimming and learners’ pools, suites of washing baths for men and women, and a cafe. It was modernised and is in use. (Photo - Oosoom/ GNU Free Documentation License) | Oosoom/ GNU Free Documentation License