SPLASHING THE CASH ON MOSELEY ROAD BATHS

13-11-2006

It's been confirmed that the cost of upgrading Birmingham's historic Moseley Road baths to meet the standards of the 21st Century could rise beyond £20million - as exclusively forecast by The Stirrer. But at last a "Friends" group is being set up to help raise the cash.

Moseley councillor Martin Mullaney who is overseeing the future of the pools has said a conservation survey of the Edwardian baths is due to be completed by the end of the year, and a lottery bid will follow in 2007.

The option of restoring the Baths to its former glorywith two pools in use, and with new changing rooms and modern disability access would cost at least £17 million says Mullaney. A cash injection of this amount would also ensure no major works were required for at least 25 years.

The alternative proposal which would see the smaller pool converted into a community or concert hall would cost £20 million or more.

The inaugural meeting of the Friends Of Moseley Road Baths will be on Monday 27th November, 7.30pm at Moseley Road Methodist Church, which is directly across the road from the baths. It is open to anyone who cares about the future of the pool.

Local authors Simon Inglis and Steve Beauchampé who championed the baths in their recent book Played In Birmingham will both be there.