Kevin McCloud, the renowned television presenter and designer best known for hosting the long-running series Grand Designs, has expressed his admiration for the restoration work at Moseley Road Baths in Balsall Heath. Despite his extensive experience witnessing remarkable projects, the 67-year-old was genuinely impressed by this local heritage site.
Ahead of the upcoming Grand Designs Live event, McCloud visited the site equipped with a hard hat and high-visibility jacket to tour the historic building and observe the restoration progress. Originally opened in 1907, Moseley Road Baths has been a treasured community facility where many local residents first learned to swim.
Following decades of dedicated community campaigning, and supported by a significant £9.2 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the baths are set to reopen in late 2028. The restored venue will serve as a vibrant community hub, featuring swimming pools, a gym, wellness spaces, and more.
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During his visit, McCloud climbed ladders and scaffolding to appreciate the architecture and spoke with volunteers and members of the Friends of Moseley Road Baths about the history and importance of the site. The presenter expressed particular excitement about the future reopening, joking that he plans to don a traditional striped Edwardian swimming costume and take a plunge into the Gala Pool, just like generations of Brummies before him.
Describing the venue as a “Wes Anderson watery wonderland,” McCloud highlighted the unique features, including newly restored stained glass and carefully cleaned glazed brickwork. He emphasised his anticipation of seeing the baths filled with swimmers and bustling with community activities. Among the innovative plans he mentioned was the idea of a cinema where audiences could swim underneath the screen, creating a dynamic space where art and recreation intersect.
McCloud reflected on the cultural significance of the project, recognising Moseley Road Baths as an “Edwardian gem” undergoing a transformation destined to achieve international recognition. The baths are listed on the World Monuments Watch, alongside renowned sites like Machu Picchu and Angkor Wat, underscoring their global importance.
Drawing attention to Birmingham’s motto, “Forward,” he remarked on the necessity of understanding a city’s history to shape its future. He emphasised that preserving architectural layers from different eras is integral to maintaining the story and identity of a place. He expressed concern that removing historical elements risks erasing parts of communal memory.
Importantly, McCloud highlighted the inclusive spirit of the restoration. He praised the commitment to ensuring the baths are accessible to everyone-regardless of ability or background-reinforcing the democratic principle that culture and heritage should be enjoyed by all.
The Moseley Road Baths project stands as a testament to community resilience and dedication, promising to reestablish a beloved public facility that honours its past while embracing a vibrant future.