Construction work to restore Moseley Road Baths and Balsall Heath library to begin this month

The first phase of construction works to restore and redevelop Moseley Road Baths and Balsall Heath library will begin this month, and ISG has been appointed as the main contractor to deliver phase 1 building works.

Moseley Road Baths is one of the oldest of six Grade II*-listed swimming baths in the UK, and it is currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register. The first phase of work, to be delivered in four stages, will begin with roof and façade works, followed by:

  • Introduction of a café into the Second-Class Slipper Baths
  • Reconfiguration of the visitor spaces, especially in the reception areas
  • Reinforcement works to the basement and foundations
  • Installation of renewable energy including air source heat pumps
  • Access improvements, including creating permanent level access on entry and installation of the first of three new lifts to the buildings.

This current phase follows months of public engagement, including widespread consultation locally through drop-in sessions as well as feedback from national organisations and industry experts. Four pilot activities took place last year as a platform for community feedback — made possible through a grant of £477K from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Phase 1 is the beginning of realising the masterplan vision for the Baths. Phase 2 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.

Phase 1 works have been funded by UK Government, Birmingham City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project is a partnership between Birmingham City Council and Moseley Road Baths Charitable Incorporated Organisation who took over the operation of the Baths in 2017. This first phase is a major milestone in the campaign to save the Baths which is supported by a wider coalition of organisations: Historic England, World Monuments Fund, National Trust, and the Friends of Moseley Road Baths.

The building works have been designed by Donald Insall Associates, supported by Max Fordham, Mann Williams and Artelia, and Project Managed by global programme and project delivery consultants and construction experts Mace.

“Swimming, health and wellbeing have always been at the centre of this 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. 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.”

— Cllr Saima Suleman, cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism

Pictured left to right: Dave Hurdiss, Senior Project Manager, ISG; Luke Arnold, Regional Director, ISG; Tom Andrews, Senior Quantity Surveyor, ISG; Matthew Vaughan, Director, Donald Insall Associates; Jack Duthie, Associate Director, Mace.