Former baths to be turned into community hub
WORK to regenerate the former Erdington Baths into a community and enterprise hub is expected to begin later this year.
The £4 million project will see the century-old building sensitively restored and renovated with a focus on supporting entrepreneurs and developing new and growing businesses in the area, as well as providing a vibrant hub for the community. Birmingham City Council, which owns the building, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have set aside £2 million each for the work.
A lease is being arranged with the Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) to run the new Erdington Enterprise and Entrepreneur Hub, or E3 Hub, in the Mason Road
building. Now the partners have renewed their agreement to progress the project, with a view to begin work on site this year.
Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “After laying empty and neglected for a decade, this investment will breathe new life into this historic building, re-establishing it as a community hub in the centre of Erdington.
“This will not only create new jobs and opportunities for local people but preserve this heritage building for future generations under the stewardship of the Witton Lodge Community Association.”
Birmingham City Council leader Cllr John Cotton said it was fantastic project. “The Erdington Enterprise and Entrepreneur Hub will once again put this historic building at the very heart of Erdington life, bringing the community together, supporting local businesses and improving accessibility to wider employment opportunities for the local residents.”
Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, said: “We’re delighted with this investment.”
Erdington Baths, which are almost a century old, have stood empty since 2014, when they were replaced with a modern pool and leisure centre nearby.