First look at Erdington baths transformation into a ‘community and enterprise hub’ in Birmingham

Work to regenerate a historic Birmingham building into a ‘community and enterprise hub’ is expected to begin later this year.

The £4 million project would see the century-old Erdington Baths restored and renovated, with a particular focus on supporting entrepreneurs and developing new and growing businesses in the area.

Erdington Baths have stood empty since they were closed in 2014, when they were replaced with a modern pool and leisure centre nearby. Birmingham City Council, which owns the building, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have set aside £2 million each for the project.

Get a bespoke headline round-up, as well as breaking updates, when you sign up to BirminghamWorld’s free emails According to the WMCA, a lease is being arranged with the Witton Lodge Community Association to run the new Erdington Enterprise and Entrepreneur Hub, or E3 Hub, in the Mason Road building.

Now the partners have renewed their agreement to progress the project, with a view to begin work on site this year. The first phase of the multi-million-pound regeneration would see the main reception area and pool hall converted into a co-working space, studio pods, events and meeting rooms, and the roof restored while other essential repairs would also be completed.

A second phase, to follow, would add a restaurant/café, creche and smaller offices. Once fully occupied the hub will create and support up to 80 local jobs, the WMCA says.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “After laying empty and neglected for a decade, this investment will breathe new life into this historic building– re-establishing it as a community hub in the centre of Erdington.

“This will not only create new jobs and opportunities for local people but preserve this heritage building for future generations under the stewardship of the Witton Lodge Community Association.”

“By putting the right partnerships and funding in place and with the backing of a creative community we can protect and restore many of our historic buildings,” he added.

Birmingham City Council leader Cllr John Cotton said: “Birmingham City Council is delighted to be working with Witton Lodge Community Association on this fantastic project and it’s great to now have regional backing.

“The Erdington Enterprise and Entrepreneur Hub will once again put this historic building at the very heart of Erdington life, bringing the community together, supporting local businesses and improving accessibility to wider employment opportunities for the local residents.”