Diving in: a future for Road Baths

The expert view

‘Nowadays most of us take for granted the facility to wash daily in hot water, to dress in clean laundered clothes, and when we choose to swim, to do so in a hygienic, safe environment (one reason why swimming is now the nation's second most popular form of recreation, after walking).

Opened in 1907, Moseley Road Baths is a glowing reminder of how we attained these basic privileges. Courtesy of progressive civic leaders and innovative engineers and architects – not for nothing did the Victorians regard themselves as the new Romans – Britain led the newly industrialised world in terms of public baths provision.

In today’s only around 40 such examples from that era survive, and the number diminishes every year. Of those that do still operate, most have lost many of their original features. Moseley Road Baths, by contrast – the only pre-war public baths that is listed Grade II* and remains in use for swimming – is an extraordinary survivor. Both its opulent exterior and interior are almost completely intact. Its Gala Pool, although closed since 2003, remains one the grandest of its kind ever seen. Also, its slipper baths sections for men and women are by far the largest and best preserved in Britain. Until the 1960s the majority of households didn't have their own baths, so facilities such as these played a key role in people’s weekly routines (my mother’s included).

In 1907 it was rate payers who footed for this municipal masterpiece. In 2018 it is local residents who are leading the campaign to save it, not only for swimming but as a community hub. Their efforts deserve to be supported, for make no mistake, Moseley Road Baths is a rare building, of rare quality, but one whose familiar story, of basic human dignity and aspiration, touches us all.’

Simon Inglis, Editor of the ‘Played in Britain’ series Co-author of ‘Great Lengths – the historic indoor swimming pools of Britain’ (English Heritage 2009)

2 Contents

The expert view 2 Significance 5 What’s the problem with Moseley Road Baths 6 Location and A345 corridor 7 Why swimming here matters to (and Birmingham) 17 How do we propose to save the Baths? 19 A ‘Coalition of the Willing’ 20 Progress made since the last Cabinet paper 22 The project – possible phases & timeline 23 Outcomes 24 Footnote 25

Images copyright:

Attilio Fiumarella, Steve Beauchampé, Vivienne Harrison, Mike Caters, Rachel Gillies, Russ Spring, The Friends of Moseley Road Baths

3 “When the Baths closed for a short period we tried other places but nothing really took our heart; this place is just home to us.” – Bushra

4 Significance

Moseley Road Baths is the oldest of only five Grade II* Listed swimming baths currently operating in Britain – and the only one outside London still open for swimming to the general public. It is the only pre-1914 baths to have continuously hosted swimming since its opening. Swimming has taken place at the baths for 110 years.

Remarkable for its completeness of form, fabric and layout the baths are testament to Birmingham’s civic pride. They contain unique original fixtures and fittings including a complete set of 46 private washing rooms known as the ‘slipper baths’ (the only complete set in the country); the oak ticket offices and attendants’ kiosks; possibly the only surviving steam-heated drying racks in a British swimming pool; the original 45,000-gallon capacity cast iron cold water storage tank; and a three-sided spectator gallery with unique balconettes in the Gala Pool. Simon Inglis, author of the groundbreaking series of books on sporting heritage, Great Lengths, describes it as one of the most internationally significant buildings of its type anywhere in the world.

As well as being listed at Grade II* the Baths have been included on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register since 2005 and was added to the World Monuments Fund Watch List in 2016. Combined these indicate both the building’s significance and the risk it now faces. In 2003 the ‘First Class’ gala pool closed amid safety fears. This was followed in 2004 by the closure of the slipper baths – remarkably, they were still in use until then.

Historic England’s perspective is that the areas of the highest conservation significance are:

• The slipper baths area (albeit, the original baths were replaced in the 1950s); • The associated separation by class and gender, including the entrances, corridors, and attendant and ticket booths; • The modulation of decoration throughout the building.

5 What’s the problem with Moseley Road Baths?

• Despite intense local campaigning for over 10 years, led by the Friends of Moseley Road Baths, was planning to close Moseley Road Baths permanently on 21 July 2017.

• In a report carried out by conservation architects Rodney Melville & Partners ten years ago, the estimated cost of full conservation restoration to MRB was outlined as c£30m.

• Since that time, the baths have deteriorated considerably due to lack of investment and also in part due to the work carried out by BCC’s framework contractor, Acivico, who have repeatedly carried out work to the building without applying for the necessary consents. The poor levels of workmanship have actively contributed to the deterioration of the building.

• Mothballing costs have been estimated to run to several millions of pounds and there was no plan for what to do with the building post closure.

• The City has invested in a dozen new pools in Birmingham in partnership with Sport England – one of these pools, in , had been identified as the replacement pool for the Balsall Heath community.

• Moseley Road Baths is in an area of economic deprivation where there has been less potential for development investment. Balsall Heath is minutes away from the City Centre and is the next zone out of the City Centre beyond and the HS2 Curzon zone. Plans to re-open the Camp Hill train line would have a catalytic effect on the area. The Baths are one of a number of significant listed buildings on the A435 ‘heritage corridor’.

• Twelve local schools swim at Moseley Road Baths. Most of the schools walk to the pool. Eleven of the schools when consulted, have stated a preference to continue swimming at Moseley Road.

• Memories of learning to swim at Moseley Road Baths are deeply ingrained in the city’s conscience – many Birmingham residents, their parents and grandparents learned to swim in the Baths.

• Birmingham ranks at the very bottom of the RSA Heritage Index in of its built environment out of 325 Local Authorities, thanks in part to eleven Grade II* buildings at risk, three of which are on the Moseley Road ‘heritage corridor’.

6 Ring Road

Edgbaston Moseley Road Baths

Balsall Heath

Edgbaston Cricket Ground

Moseley

Location and A435 corridor

To the South – A435 Moseley (2 mins), (5 mins) To the East – Balsall Heath, Sparkhill, Sparkbrook, A34 Stratford Road To the West – Edgbaston (10 mins) To the North – City Centre, Digbeth, HS2 Curzon zone, Bullring (10 mins)

Moseley Road Baths is located on the A435 (and No 50 Bus Route) a major arterial route into the City Centre from South Birmingham. 7 Key heritage buildings on Moseley Road

1. Moseley Arms public house c.1840 (Grade II), corner Moseley Road and Ravenhurst Street

2. 90 Moseley Road, c.1810-20 (Grade II)

3. 94 Moseley Road, c.1850-55 (Grade II)

4. 98 Moseley Road, c.1850 (Grade II)

5. 102 Moseley Road, c.1820-30 (Grade II)

6. 110-114 Moseley Road, c.1820 (Grade II)

7. Friends Institute (1898), 220 Moseley Road, by John Bowen

8. 232 Moseley Road, (local list Grade B)

9. Highgate Fire Station, 1912, by G Bernard Cox & Arthur Harrison

10. 356 Moseley Road, c.1830-40 (Grade II)

11. 360-362 Moseley Road, c.1830-40 (Grade II)

12. Moseley Road baths & Library, 1896 & 1907 (Grade II*)

13. Church of Christ Chapel, 1912 (next door to baths) now Masjeed Muslim Student House

14. Moseley Road Art School, 1899 (Grade II*)

15. Moseley & Balsall Heath Institute, 1876, 572-574 Moseley Road now Moseley Dance Centre (local list Grade A) also by William Hale

16. Moseley Tram Depot, 1906 (Grade II), now indoor climbing centre A435 streetscape and ‘heritage corridor’

Mosque & Masjid Balsall Heath Library Gurdwara

Moseley School of Art Old Print Works Friends’ Institute GII* listed, 1898 (opposite MRB) GII listed (opposite MRB) GII* listed, 1897 Major repairs & refurbishment Well used but building in BCC-owned – run down underway, with funding from HE poor state and HLF to be completed Aug 9 2018 The Gala Pool

“I swam in the Gala Pool just before it closed; the light that came flooding in through the windows was gorgeous.” – Rachel

10 “I learned to swim at Moseley road in the mid 70's. My gran would take me for swimming lessons with Mr Eggason on a Monday evening, then a Bovril in the little room next to the entrance and home for Star Trek. Such memories of the interior and exterior of this gem of a pool...really, a crying shame it might close.” – Joe

11 Pool 2

“It's our local swimming pool. If it wasn't for this pool my son wouldn't be swimming now. It's the only form of fitness he enjoys.” – Muhammad

When the building opened in 1907, the ‘Second Class’ pool closed for swimming during the winter as it was difficult and expensive to heat the water during the cold weather. During that time the pool was emptied of water and covered with a floor. It was used for social events, including games such as billiards and cards, or for dances. The dances were very popular and took place until the early 1950s.

During bombing raids in WW2 doctors and volunteer nurses tended the wounded in the space. There were bunk beds for staff and the wall at the end of the pool had two doorways added for ambulances to come in and out. 12 The Slipper Baths

“I arrived in Britain in 1966 and lived on Highgate Road. It was a shared house, shared kitchen, toilet, everything. We didn’t have a bath, so I went to the washing baths at Moseley Road sometimes twice a week, It was part of our weekly routine and you’d meet lots of people there. It was about a shilling for a child. Dad would give me half a crown and I’d have a bath and then get something to eat.” – Abdul

13 “For just a small amount of money it was possible to have a hot bath in a private cubicle. It was even possible to hire a towel and soap. The ‘Baths Attendant’ filled up the Bath with hot water and then took the handle of the tap away to stop people from using too much water. There was an electric bell to get the attention of the attendant if you wanted anything or felt ill. There were so many people who wanted to have a bath that bathers could only stay in for a maximum of 30 minutes.”

There are 46 baths at Moseley Road Baths, divided into ‘Men’s First Class’, ‘Men’s Second Class’ and ‘Women’. The wash baths were “There was a big rope in use until 2004. hanging down over the bath to help you lower yourself in or pull yourself out.” – Jim

14 15 16 Why swimming here matters to Balsall Heath (and Birmingham) Whilst architecturally and historically MRB is of huge significance in its own right, layered over this is the strong support and desire of the local community of Balsall Heath to keep their Baths open for swimming. This support has been evidenced in over 2,300 signatories to a locally circulated petition, combined with the hundreds of offers of support from local people for volunteering, lifeguarding and fundraising to help in the effort to save the Baths. The baths are a strong source of identity for the community and hold a high social value to the area.

This modern ‘civic pride’ echoes the circumstances in which the Baths were built. Moseley Road Baths were given to the village of Balsall Heath effectively as a bribe to become part of the Corporation of Birmingham, along with the neighbouring library (1895) in 1907. Moseley Road Baths and Free Library form the cornerstone of the Moseley Road ‘heritage corridor’, their imposing presence in the streetscape helping to define the character of the area. Other buildings in the corridor include – Balsall Heath Library, of Art (both Grade II*), the Old Print Works and the Old Tram Depot (all Grade II). All of these buildings lie within 400 metres of each other. The majority are in need of significant investment although the School of Art has recently received grant funding from both Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund and repairs and refurbishment, currently underway, will be completed in August 2018. Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath Ward is situated to the South of the City Centre. It has a younger age profile to the city average. The percentage of ethnic minority residents is above the city average. Unemployment and worklessness rates are well above the city average. Balsall Heath has one of the city’s largest Muslim communities.

17 “Historical baths are Like many locals whose homes were without monuments to working class running water during the 1940s and '50s, my “The building is beautiful, it is communities - they have mother's family would make use of the Moseley a part of Moseley and provided health benefits for Birmingham heritage. It is generations and continue to Road Baths each Sunday and enjoy a 30-minute inspire users to aspire and hot 'slipper' bath. Then, as now, Moseley Road under threat and not achieve.” – Mimi provided a place for the whole community to use treasured as it should be. and appreciate. The building's historical ties and BCC: Birmingham is more architectural grandeur make it both a focus of local than a city centre, support pride, and a vital link to the city's all but vanished your communities!!!” – Imran “As a National Trust member, past. It is more than just a swimming pool. It always was. – David I feel this is a “I swim at Moseley Rd Pool building of regularly with . “It is a lovely building, with many fine features, of My partner works at a local historical historical and cultural importance. It also serves a nursery, which takes it significance and genuinely diverse community, many of whom are children there to swim. It's must remain open enabled to take responsibility for their health and sad that BCC seems willing to as part of the well being by swimming here. It's a long walk to spend millions on new so- Sparkhill Pool. No bus connection. So no Moseley called signature buildings that heritage of Road Pool will mean the end of swimming for Birmingham.” – many, especially the elderly, disabled, those dealing the public neither like nor see a need for, but won't spend a Thofah with a chronic long term health problem, in this area of high deprivation.” – Jude smaller amount of money protecting much-loved

heritage buildings that serve “I learnt to swim at Moseley Rd and I the community. Other City have much to thank the place for as I Councils, like Manchester, are “I used to swim there as a child, now the am now a Swimming instructor and a far more in tune with public school I work for the children go there masters swimmer. It is an important sentiment..” – Graham to swim, it’s 5 mins walking distance, building both architecturally and as a now they will have to travel a long community resource providing an distance to go swimming.” – Kushunara place where important life skills are learnt and developed.” Suet-Lin

18 How we propose to save the Baths – some principles

• Swimming is the beating heart of MRB and will continue in at least one of the pools. • The cost of mothballing the pool has been estimated at £5m. Any expenditure on the Baths needs to be judged against this ‘default’ expenditure which would deliver very little benefit. • Full conservation restoration of the Baths would cost in excess of £30m, which is judged an unrealisable figure. Proposals for capital investment in the building should work on approx. half that figure and will thus require creative thinking and compromise. To guide this, a ‘philosophy of repair’ will be developed, whereby some areas are just stabilised and others fully restored – but all within an overarching architectural vision developed in consultation with statutory agencies. • Given the state of the building and the urgency around saving it all elements of this complex project have involved a ‘twin- tracking’ approach combining urgent immediate actions (eg enabling the continuation of swimming in Pool 2) alongside a long term approach (developing a long term sustainable model for the whole building). • Define and carry out emergency triage works to the building to begin to reverse the damage caused by previous work and to stabilise the building. This includes the creation of a building operating maintenance plan; a programme of conservation-led cyclical repairs; sourcing new contractors. Repairs to the Gala Pool roof will be the first major element, with architects appointed in February. • Bring spaces back into use as soon as possible – even without full repair. Curate a programme of enterprise and activity to build a vibrant and sustainable business model for the whole building that will meet the needs of Balsall Heath and the city. • Work with people and in partnership – local people, organisations, businesses, groups and swimmers. It is intended that volunteering and apprenticeships are an important part of the mix across all aspects of the projects, supporting skills development and engagement in the future of the Baths. • Work with BCC to support a ‘precinct’ approach to the A435 corridor, with the Baths acting as a ‘trail blazer’ for the area as the next zone beyond the HS2 Curzon / Digbeth zone. • Think creatively to develop an economically sustainable business proposition, that delivers public benefit through the provision of swimming and conservation of the building itself, but that is not reliant on substantial, continual subsidy. Consider which organisation / vehicle is the best mode for the long term operation or ‘stage management’ of the building. Look at funding models and develop a fundraising strategy that includes grants, crowdfunding, philanthropy, social finance. • Create an offer that meets the needs of the local community (particularly in relation to health and wellbeing) and appeals to a wider market across the city, and to the growing ‘aquatic heritage tourism’ market so that the Pool is a local, national and international destination of choice. • Ensure the Baths are a star player in the cultural programme for Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bid.

19

A Coalition ‘of the willing’ The ‘coalition’ is not a constituted organisation or formal partnership – it is a group of national and international heritage organisations and local community groups working together with Birmingham City Council to achieve a common goal. All are contributing time (paid and voluntary), skills and resources and grant funding to the project. The total value of this contribution to the Baths is currently forecast to be over £1m in the first year of the Coalition working together.

Birmingham City Council MRB Action Group Building owner – Friends of MRB Formed 18 months ago to Funding continued Led campaign to save boost Friends campaign; operation of baths to end Baths for 10+ years – led sought HE grant for options March and matched funding Pool of Memories (HLF appraisal; now formed as a for HE grant to repair Gala funded) social history CIO to operate community- National Trust Pool Roof (400k total). archive project; comms, run pool. Raised over £37k Coalition convenor & lead events and tours. through crowd-funding plus a Providing £300k+ of resource range of small grants. (specialist skills, project management, funding for specialist surveys etc).

World Monuments Fund Included MRB on 2016 Watch Civic List; advocacy and lobbying; Building understanding of Balsall Providing 17k USD grant to Historic England Heath influencers, community / FoMRB; a further £100k Funded £8k options appraisal other advocates in the city (incl approved in Feb 2018 following and is providing a Grant for social entrepreneurs); visit of President & CEO of WMF. repairs on Gala Pool roof of understanding wider ambitions for £659k (in addition to HE A435 ‘heritage corridor’; develop specialist skills & project ideas & potential partners for management) with match spaces. Supporting development of funding from BCC. long term business plan.

20 Some words from coalition partners

‘The National Trust has always been an organisation that responds to the conservation challenges of the time. Today this includes working beyond our boundaries, exploring how we can work with new partners to protect and bring alive the heritage and green spaces that are such an important part of local communities in urban areas. Moseley Road Baths is a wonderful example of a place that is both internationally significant and locally valued. Its architectural significance is matched by the memories of the thousands of people who have swum there and there is great civic pride in this important piece of local heritage. That is why the National Trust is taking the unusual step of committing significant resources to a building we don’t own and are working hard with Birmingham City Council and a range of partner organisations to help find a sustainable future for the Baths. This project is part of a wider programme of work we’re delivering in Birmingham and in other cities across the country. It is the heritage, cultural institutions and green spaces there that make cities great places to live and work. This mattered to the founders of the National Trust and it continues to matter to us now, over 120 years later.’ Dame Helen Ghosh, Director-General, The National Trust

‘Moseley Road Baths is a long standing entry on the Heritage at Risk Register and a top priority for Historic England. We are proud and pleased to be providing a repair grant worth more than £650,000 for the essential repairs to the Gala Pool roof – the part of the building in most urgent need of action. Historic England often provides funds for critical work that stops the rot, maintains the value of heritage assets like Moseley Road Baths, and acts as a catalyst for further funding and investment. We hope that when all the work is complete, the truly beautiful Gala Pool can be re-opened for public use, to host events and to raise awareness of how our historic environment can benefit everyone.’ Veryan Heal, Planning Director , Historic England

‘I clearly remember the moment in World Monument Fund’s office in New York on the 24th floor of the Empire State Building discussing nominations for our 2016 Watch. The room was filled with experts from around the world championing some incredible sites, which ranged from the iconic ruins of the Great Zimbabwe through to the World Heritage Site of Petra in Jordan, by way of The National Art Schools in Cuba, medieval geoglyphs in Chile and Bucharest’s historic centre. And then it was the turn of Moseley Road Baths – the entire room was captivated. Here was a place that is clearly loved by the local community and every bit as extraordinary as some of the global heavyweights we were debating - a gem that needed our support. In the end it was an easy decision, and we were delighted to place Moseley Road on our 2016 Watch. We are now looking forward to working alongside Birmingham City Council, others in the coalition and the local community to breathe new life into such an important building and historic neighbourhood.’ John Darlington, Executive Director, World Monuments Fund Britain 21

Progress made since the last cabinet report

• Coalition meetings commenced in June; led by National Trust project team, with five defined work areas (Keep Swimming, Building Maintenance & Urgent Repair, Long Term Future, Fundraising & Advocacy, Comms) and a senior stakeholder steering group established. • MRB Community Interest Company has become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), has recruited new trustees and secured specialist voluntary and paid expertise (including from University Sport Department, Pool, Sparkhill Pool, Finance Director of Islington Borough Council) to develop a comprehensive business plan and swimming offer. • The first MRB CIO Crowdfunder raised over £37,000 to fund the training of volunteer lifeguards and generated support from actor Annette Badland, and comedians Adil Ray, Barbara Nice all of whom learned to swim at Moseley Road Baths. • In October a group of lads turned up at the Baths and volunteered to clear up the litter weeds from the front of the building. • Pro bono input and advice has been given by Tim Ronalds Architects (Wilton’s Music Hall, Ironmonger Row Baths – London); National Trust Design Advice Forum (a group of specialist volunteers); Fusion Lifestlye (pool and leisure operator specialising in historic pools); the Historic Pools Network. • Civic have spent the last three months meeting and talking to local individuals and community groups to gain a deeper understanding of the context, thoughts, needs and possible role of the whole community. • A gazetteer of all the reports and surveys produced to date on Moseley Road Baths (there are 37) has been created to review where there might be gaps so that further survey work can be targeted accordingly. • Advocacy includes visits by the President of the World Monuments Fund from New York, previous Heritage Minister John Glen MP (led by Historic England), coverage through Historic England twitter feeds, at the National Trust AGM, Friends-led social media and PR campaign launched with Barbara Nice, leading to Midlands Today feature with actor Annette Badland (Dr Who) and support from Adil Ray (Citizen Khan). The National Trust has met with the GBSLEP, Metro Mayor, Chamber of Commerce, Culture Central and Arts Council England, Sport England. • National Trust central fundraising team met in January to commence planning for large scale funding bids and an advocacy plan. Enquiry forms submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund for both Resilient Heritage and Enterprise grants with first meeting in February (CIO and National Trust). • BCC has applied to Historic England for grant funding to replace the Gala Pool Roof, with grant funding of £659k approved in February 2018 (match funding of £100k provided by BCC). Architect Donald Insall Associates, Birmingham, has been appointed as professional consultants. Additional survey work will also be carried out and funded by the National Trust. • The World Monuments Fund hosted their annual Mellon lecture in London in January on Moseley Road Baths, with the lecture given by Simon Inglis, specialist on the architecture and heritage of sport and recreation. A World Monuments Fund grant of £100k was approved in February 2018, with matched funding to be provided by BCC (Cabinet Decision 6 March). 22

Project Timeline

PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 PHASE 4 Concept Development Detailed Design and Plan Implementation Delivery Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June Q3 2018 Q4 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 IMMEDIATE BUILDING TRIAGE

BCC secure funding for repairing the gala pool Secure LBC for work to gala roof pool roof Repair and BCC procure an architect and develop specification for gala pool roof replacement of the Procure contractors to Gala Pool Roof BCC establish approach to procurement repair and replace gala pool

roof

MAINTAINING A CONTINUED SWIMMING OFFER Council run swimming operation Potential MRB CIC/CIO negotiate a Licence to Operate with the Council CIO staff/volunteer recruitment takeover and training CIO operates a community swimming offer at MRB MRB CIC/CIO organisational development including recruitment of trustees, by leisure conversion to CIO and development of core policies/procedures CIO lead clean-up operator MRB CIC/CIO fundraise seed capital FORMING A PLAN FOR THE FUTURE Implementation of maintenance schedule Coalition partners to develop a recommended Establish tenure,

MRB WORKPLAN Undertake intrusive survey Develop approach to repair programme governance and maintenance schedule for the building and develop a programme of Secure Seek BCC operation external building repair Seek BCC approvals Undertake approval for arrangements Produce approval and the first next stage of Detailed design for Commonwealth 2022 Games hosted Birminghamin consolidated for future procure stage of Establish potential for a long term leisure operator work (LTO, Financial and operating building repair and proposal and plans (and contractor major maintenance modelling adaptation business case NT for s capital and progress for future identified Explore role of arts/cultural Early concept design work and works update) use role Fundraising Develop Engage programming initial cost planning Civic to undertake Community therein) Outline community Identify and engage Mappping Early occupation of the building Business plan leaders entrepreneurs (testing Develop financing/ fundraising by complementary ventures entrepreneurial ideas) strategy

23 Outcomes

What outcomes could this have for the Baths and for Birmingham?

• The City sees the art of the possible for some of its most challenging heritage assets – as a result, conversations have started about other places where a similar approach could have a positive outcome. Moseley Road Baths is seen as more of an asset than a liability and Birmingham City Council has contributed capital to the project along with other partners.

• There is a costed, pragmatic plan for the Baths, with initial funding already in place – repairs to the building are underway; the Gala Pool is accessible and in use as a programmed space; other ‘meanwhile’ uses are happening in the building as the major project gathers pace.

• More people are swimming at the Baths; it’s a source of pride for Balsall Heath, whose community has participated in and co-created the future for the Baths.

• Positive press coverage is generated for the City and the City is proud that the Baths are part of the Commonwealth 2022 cultural programme – with positive outcomes for the local community (e.g. increased investment in health & wellbeing).

• The Baths are removed from Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register.

• Opportunities for volunteering and skills development will have been created.

24 “Effectively, this is the last chance to save the one remaining pre 1910 working public baths in Britain. The aesthetic significance of the baths and the adjacent library is really special. The listing description summarises the exuberant design that awaits visitors: Flemish and Renaissance details combined with some Arts and Crafts motifs, all lavishly executed in buff terracotta contrasted with red brick walls. Internally the decoration and volume of the spaces would have lifted spirits as it does today. The mix of coloured light through the leaded lights and from the tiles combined with the amazing cathedral like spaces creates something really special.

This means the building has the highest significance in its own right and every effort by those concerned with heritage should be made to ensure they are not lost.

The building is however equally as critical to the nation’s understanding of industrial history in Britain. So much can be learned from the Baths and their sister buildings in Birmingham, about the condition of our 19th century working class populations, the intentions of industrial philanthropists with their Civic Gospel approach, scientific thinking and the mechanisms and politics for governing society. Their cultural significance is therefore equal to their architectural merit.”

National Trust Design Advice Forum visit, April 2017

25