Decision looms over future of derelict former Wolverhampton swimming baths
A decision on plans to turn Wolverhampton’s derelict derelict Heath Town swimming baths and library into a banqueting hall, day nursery and conference centre is set to be made by council bosses next week.
Planners have been recommended to approve the development, which will create around 70 full-time jobs.
The grade II listed building closed permanently in 2006 and has lain empty and unused since. It is now dilapidated, having been repeatedly hit by acts of vandalism. Arsonists also targeted the premises in June last year.
Over the years, a number of planned regeneration schemes – including a bid by Wolverhampton Olympic gold medal-winning former javelin thrower Tessa Sanderson to turn the building into a sports centre in 2014 – all failed to get off the ground.
In a report to the council, senior planning officer Vijay Kaul said: “The building is on Tudor Road, a one-way street off Wolverhampton Road, and is next to Holy Trinity Church and cemetery and the Lych Gate and Alms Houses, which can be reached via the church gardens. These are also all grade II listed, as is the war memorial in nearby Heath Town Park.
“The change of use will involve adding a new first floor extension, replacing the main roof and windows and external repairs. Lifts will also be installed in the building.”
When it first opened in 1932, the property housed two swimming pools, a washhouse and a library. It has been on the statutory list of buildings of architectural and historic importance since 2000.
Pavan Gaddu, of developers Gaddu Associates who will be carrying out the work, said: “We are delighted to have reached this important stage in the building’s history after working with Heathfield Park Community Action Network to understand the needs of the local people.
“Our proposals involve the restoration of the whole building and will respect the historic and architectural importance and innovation which was shown at the time of its construction.”
A statement from JBVJ Architects, submitted along with the application, said: “Heath Town swimming baths and library has significant value to the local community as it was one of the first buildings in the region to offer community bathing, washing facilities and a laundry washhouse. The building is the only surviving early example of the local authority’s efforts to bring several essential community services together in one central building.”
Once completed, the venue will have the capacity to accommodate the following numbers: main function room (500), smaller function room (250), meeting room (100), cinema and lecture theatre (100), nursery room one (45), nursery room two (45), nursery room three (30).
Staff numbers will be as follows: nursery (34), banqueting hall (35). There will be parking provisions for 90 cars including six disabled parking bays and six electric vehicle (EV) charging points. There will also be eight motorcycle bays and space for three coaches.
Council planners are due to make a decision next Tuesday.
