First phase of Moseley Road Baths construction works set to begin - here's when

Birmingham City Council recently confirmed the first phase of construction works for the transformation of Moseley Road Baths is to begin this month.

This particular phase will be in four stages, beginning with crucial roof and façade works, which will see scaffolding erected during September.

It will also see the introduction of a cafe, access improvements and reinforcement works to the basement and foundations.

The National Trust described the Grade II* listed baths as a “cherished community facility” and said locals campaigned to keep it open when it was under threat of closure.

The charity adds that it contains some original fixtures and fittings, including original oak ticket offices and a three-sided spectator gallery. A group of organisations soon came together to form a coalition to work alongside Birmingham City Council (BCC) to reimagine a new future for the Baths.

The coalition includes the council, Historic England, World Monuments Fund, National Trust, the Friends of Moseley Road Baths and Moseley Road Baths CIO, a charitable organisation which have taken over the operation of the Baths.

Phase one works have been funded by the council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the UK government.

Cllr Saima Suleman, cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism at BCC, said this month that swimming, health and wellbeing had always been at the centre of the project.

“It’s vital the future of this amazing building can be secured but as we’ve always said, the project has been about so much more than the building,” she said.

“This is such an exciting project that will have such a positive impact for the Balsall Heath community, which is one of the most deprived wards in the city.”

The council has said phase one is the beginning of realising the masterplan vision for the Baths.

Phase two is subject to further funding which will include the restoration of the iconic Gala Pool and converting Pool 2 into a permanent hireable event space, it adds.

The local authority has also announced that ISG has been appointed as the main contractor to deliver phase one building works.

ISG has worked on a number of other major projects including the City Council House and University of Birmingham’s global campus.