DEEP SECRETS OF MOSELEY ROAD POOL

08-12-2007

The Stirrer wants to know - along with local councillors and campaigners for Moseley Road baths in Balsall Heath - why a consultants report about the future of the pools still hasn't been published, even though we were promised it in the Autumn. What have the Council got to hide? In the absence of the official version, here's a vision for the future by Russ Spring, chair of Friends of Moseley Road baths.

Moseley Road Baths is a building of national importance, the oldest of only three Grade II* Listed swimming pools currently operating in Britain. One of Birmingham’s finest sports buildings and largely unaltered since it opened 100 years ago, it contains several rare or unique features, including the only complete set of pre-war private ‘slipper’ baths extant in Britain, still with the original oak ticket office and attendants’ kiosks largely intact.

Also a three-sided spectator gallery and unique balconettes in the Gala (or First Class) Pool and possibly the only surviving steam heated drying racks in a British swimming baths, sited in the first floor laundry room.

The only part of the building currently functioning is Pool 2 (the smaller pool) but our Strategy Document, published this week, investigates ways in which the entire two-storey complex can be brought back to life, operating at maximum benefit to the residents of Balsall Heath and the surrounding area.

The overriding concept behind our proposals is the development of a health and leisure-based facility in an area blighted by significant health problems and where levels of heart disease and diabetes are significantly above the Birmingham average and life expectancy significantly below.

The proposals aim to create a centre in which the sum of its facilities is greater than its constituent parts and in which the organisations operating them are working for the same, or similar, goals. We believe that the best way to achieve this is for the building to remain either in the ownership of Birmingham City Council, or the administration of a Trust, in which the Council remains a leading partner.

The proposals examine in detail the specific swimming needs of children and young people as well as special needs groups. It also addresses issues of social exclusion felt by some women, uncomfortable with mixed bathing for religious and/or cultural reasons, stressing the importance for both of Moseley Road’s pools to be operational.

The key proposals contained within the document include:

Full restoration and re-opening of the Gala (or First Class) Pool, primarily aimed at competitive and lane swimmers, and for the hosting of galas, water polo and other swimming contests or displays.

Retention of Pool 2 as a swimming bath, principally targeted at young or inexperienced swimmers, women only sessions, special needs groups and swimming clubs and societies Restoration and reopening the Women’s First and Second Class Private ‘Slipper’ Bath Departments to meet ongoing demand for these facilities within the area.

Converting the Men’s First Class Private Bath Department into small community meeting rooms, or offices and storage space for baths user groups, as has been carried out at the former Nechells Swimming Baths.

Demolishing the Men’s Second Class Private Bath Department and converting the area into a children’s gymnasium, along similar lines to the Ice Gymnasia recently opened at Harborne Baths and at city council operated leisure centres in Great Barr and Kingsbury.

The development of a cafeteria, possibly located in the spacious, first floor Committee Room.

The establishment of a local history centre for the Balsall Heath district in conjunction with the adjacent library.

The ideas contained within the document are largely those of the Friends Group but we acknowledge that they may be re-shaped during the debate that we hope its publication will help ignite. Last summer, Birmingham City Council received a Conservation Survey report on the baths from the respected firm of architects, Rodney Melville and Sons.

Despite repeated requests to see this document, and a promise from Birmingham City Council to launch a consultation process on the building’s future, we and many other interested parties, remain excluded from any debate about its future.

Included on the Victorian Society’s list of the ten most important buildings in Britain under threat, Moseley Road Baths is a building that can no longer be allowed to remain mostly idle, slowly decaying.

Contact the Friends of Moseley Road Baths on 07806 557 509 www.myspace.com/moseleyrdpool or e-mail FofMRB@googlemail.com