ISG secures first phase of construction works for Moseley Road Baths
The first phase of construction works for the restoration and redevelopment of Moseley Road Baths and Balsall Heath library is to begin this month.
This first phase of the project – to be delivered by our UK Construction team – will be in four stages, beginning with crucial roof and façade works, with scaffolding to be erected during September.
In addition, this phase includes:
- 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.
The phase 1 works have been funded by the 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, which 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 project was procured through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) framework, and the construction works designed by Donald Insall Associates, supported by Max Fordham, Mann Williams and Artelia, overseen by professional project management consultancy firm, Mace Consult Ltd.
Councillor Saima Suleman, cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism, said: “Swimming, health and well-being 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.”
We are delighted to undertake phase 1 major construction work at Moseley Road Baths, an iconic landmark in South Birmingham, supporting the local and city wide community to realise the full benefits and legacy of this exciting project for current and future generations.
Luke Arnold, Regional Director, ISG
This first phase follows months of public engagement, enabling the community to help shape the plans. This has included widespread consultation locally through drop-in sessions to see and comment on the plans, as well as feedback from national organisations and industry experts. Four pilot activities that took place throughout last year were a major platform for official community feedback, made possible through a grant of £477,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The pilot activities created 205 Birmingham-based freelance opportunities and featured collaborations with 33 local organisations. Thirty-six people had a ‘Slipper Bath’, and over 4,000 people visited Balsall Heath’s Living Room. Six young people (aged 18-30) were employed to develop their creative and employability skills, leading to a podcast series ‘Bathcasts’ interpreting the Baths’ heritage, and 6,000 people visited Balsall Heath Library’s ‘Imaginarium’, with its centrepiece sculpture designed by Intervention Architecture, which was longlisted for a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) MacEwen Award.
Phase 1 is the beginning of realising the masterplan vision for the Baths. Phase 2 is subject to further funding, and will include the restoration of the iconic Gala Pool and converting Pool 2 into a permanent, hireable event space.
