Plans to turn Grade II listed Jewellery Quarter building into bathhouse

A grade II listed building in the Jewellery Quarter could become a traditional bathhouse with the inspiration of Japanese and Nordic influences.

London-based architecture firm MOST has designed a plan that would turn the lower floors of the building into a spa, steam room, plunger and mineral pool, with treatment rooms and a cafe. Proposals were lodged with Birmingham City Council on July 3, 2023.

Sydenham Place on Tenby Street is a 19th-century former industrial building, with its cellars earmarked for the steamy spa rooms.

The upper floors of Sydenham Place are occupied by a mixture of recently-developed apartments and townhouses. The building is named after Robert Sydenham, a renowned horticulturist who made a name for himself in Birmingham selling seeds and bulbs.

The architecture firm’s website says: “The client is keen to create a multicultural interpretation of the traditional bathhouse, celebrating wellness procedures from a variety of cultures, spanning from Japanese onsen, to Moroccan hammam and Nordic steam banya.”

Planning documents from MOST explain: “We feel the already existing weight and gravity of the space will enhance the experience of the traditional bathing cultures. Providing new services such as lighting, heating & cooling and ventilation will bring this space to modern standards allowing for the continued growth of the building as well as the area it lies, which is quickly becoming popular once again.”

The project is still under consideration by Birmingham City Council and designs could change between the concept and the final look of the space. MOST is working on behalf of its client Govind Sidhu.