Nestled in Balsall Heath, the iconic Moseley Road Baths - Birmingham’s oldest swimming pool complex - is undergoing an extensive restoration after receiving a £9.2 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund earlier this year. This project is breathing new life into the Edwardian leisure centre, which originally opened in 1907, and was lovingly preserved despite threats of closure over two decades.
On a recent visit behind the hoardings, large stacks of carefully removed Stourbridge bricks awaited cleaning and repairs before returning to their original place. Unlike much of modern Birmingham’s recent construction focused on new builds, this work is dedicated to reviving a cherished local landmark with deep historical significance.
For twenty years, campaigners have tirelessly advocated for the reopening of Moseley Road Baths, working not just to secure funding but also to maintain swimming activities for local children during the lengthy closure. The efforts of the Friends of Moseley Road Baths have proved fruitful, as the extensive refurbishment now in progress is meeting their ambitions.
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During Birmingham Heritage Week, visitors were given the opportunity to explore the ongoing works. The refurbishment includes not only meticulous restoration of architectural details - such as the stained glass and steel ceiling beams, now painted in authentic heritage green - but also modern improvements aimed at accessibility. This includes widening doorways and installing hoists for those who require support entering the pools, making the baths the most accessible they have ever been.
The gala pool will soon feature water filled to the brim, facilitating easier access, and viewing areas will be both beautiful and fully accessible. Meanwhile, spaces are being adapted to contemporary community needs. For example, old slipper bath cubicles are being repurposed to house a gym, while some bathing facilities will remain as part of a wellness and spa offer, blending heritage with modern leisure.
Lucy Reid, chair of the trustees for Moseley Road Baths CIO, emphasised the importance of ensuring every element is both aesthetically true to the original and functional for today’s users. Alongside the swimming facilities, the baths will host school swimming lessons, community events, cinema screenings and more, contributing to the social fabric of the neighbourhood.
Connecting seamlessly to a neighbouring library - itself older than the baths by twelve years - the complex is positioned to become a vibrant community hub. Though restoration work has exposed wear, the library’s fine woodwork and sculpted decor stand as reminders of a past era when craftsmanship was a point of civic pride.
Architectural details extend to the exterior, where ornate drainage features adorned with gargoyles and roses reflect the attention to detail characteristic of Edwardian Birmingham. Protective boards currently guard heritage woodwork while skilled artisans restore intricate leaded glass windows, which will bathe the interior in colourful light.
Visitors including notable figures like Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud, who toured the works, have praised Moseley Road Baths as a ‘‘wonderland’’ and a World Monument of great cultural significance, comparable to global landmarks.
Ultimately, the revival of Moseley Road Baths stands as a testament to the determination of the community and a beacon of hope for the regeneration of Birmingham’s neighbourhoods. It celebrates both the city’s rich history and its future potential, all while remaining a truly remarkable swimming baths.