BIRMINGHAM: Erdington Baths repurposed

Abandoned Birmingham swimming baths to be reborn as council agrees cash injection

Tom Cramp - Local Democracy Reporter | Wednesday 26th July 2023 8:21am

ADDITION: Statement from Witton Lodge Community Association chief officer added at the end

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The derelict Erdington Baths on Mason Road is being transformed into an enterprise hub with community facilities including a café and co-working space. The disused swimming pool is to receive a cash injection from Birmingham City Council amounting to over £1.2 million. 

Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) announced plans in January 2022 to convert the Erdington Baths building into a multi-use site with an emphasis on helping small businesses and entrepreneurs. This morning, Birmingham City Council agreed to spend £1.205 million on the venture on top of the £700,000 it has already contributed.

The building has been vacant since 2014 after Erdington Leisure Centre and Pool opened just down the road. First built in 1925, the site is not listed but is regarded as a heritage asset due to its age and its positive contribution to the area.

Initial estimates put the total cost of the scheme at £5.64 million which would have come from the unsuccessful Levelling Up Fund bid for Erdington High Street. When this became unavailable, the budget was reduced to £4 million, partly coming from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Once finished, the scheme will feature 20 studio pod spaces and a co-working space that can also be adapted for events. Elsewhere there will be three offices, a café, and a children's nursery with an outdoor play area.

It is estimated the enterprise hub will be fully occupied after five years of operation and could create up to 68 jobs. 

Leader of the Birmingham Conservatives and ward councillor for Erdington, Cllr Robert Alden, said: “I am happy to confirm I am very supportive of the proposals. I just wanted to put on record my thanks to Witton Lodge for involving the local community and making sure there is a scheme here that has the full support of the Erdington community.”

Erdington ward councillor Gareth Moore added: “Without commenting on the future planning aspects of this scheme, I am also supportive of the match funding that has been offered in order to move this forward.”

Afzal Hussain, chief officer of WLCA, said: “We are delighted that Birmingham City Council (BCC) has confirmed its second tranche of funding to transform the former Erdington Baths into a state-of-the-art enterprise & community hub. The Council's total investment of £2m, combined with the additional £2m earmarked by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) means we can look to the future with confidence.

“Witton Lodge Community Association have worked tirelessly for many years to reach today’s momentous milestone and we are thrilled that our vision moves closer to reality. We want to say a huge thank you to all of our stakeholders especially BCC, WMCA, Paulette Hamilton MP, Mayor Andy Street, and our local Erdington Councillors for all their support over the years.

“Finally, we'd like to thank the residents of Erdington who have supported our plans to breathe life back into this beautiful building and rejuvenate the local area.”

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