Editor's choice February 2008

Nearly Bath Time?

At last the City has published the long –awaited report about Moseley Road. Baths. This looks at three options for saving the building. These are:

• ‘mothballing’ for an indefinite period
• restoring and using two baths and the Library, and finding new community uses for parts of the premises
• restoring and using one of the baths and the Library, putting a floor over the other (smaller) bath and using that as well as other space for new activities

Cllr. Ray Hassall (City Cabinet Member) says ‘I reiterate my absolute commitment to the retention of the building. We will not be making any decisions (about the use) until we have heard from the Sports Council and consulted with the local community.’

The report shows that the capital cost of restoring two baths (£21 million) is lower than restoring one (£23 million). But it also says that the running costs for two baths would be unacceptably high. The current loss – with one bath open is £250,000 a year. The report suggests that raising capital and running the Baths and Library would be easier through a Trust than for the City.

The report provides useful information, but more is needed before decisions can be soundly based. The ‘dry’ option should be explored. The Heathan article on the new Tudor Grange facilities shows what can be achieved for £12 million. What would it cost for the Baths to be refurbished without swimming, plus new facilities for swimming and sport?

So far the plan does not include the Health Centre located behind the Baths. But discussions about complete remodelling of the Health Centre are taking place. It must make sense to talk about new health facilities as part of the same vision of better swimming and fitness facilities.

The Council is waiting for the Sports Council guidance on what is needed Birmingham-wide. The community also needs further information. In the meantime, a way of consulting local people and getting a decision must be agreed. The Heathan suggests a Steering Group should be set up right away by the Council, including representatives from: the Council (and local Councillors); Friends of the Baths; Balsall Heath Forum; users of nearby facilities.

Tudor Grange

Tudor Grange Leisure Centre (cost £12 million) opens this month in Solihull. It contains a 25 metre, 8 lane pool and a learning pool for children. It also has a Sports Hall, tennis courts, fitness and health suits. It contains a crèche, a meeting room and there is a café. The Centre will be open from 7.00am to10.00pm in the week and from 8.00a.m. to 6.00pm at the weekend. Readers may think it must be worth going to see it! Where could one be sited in Balsall Heath? Surely residents deserve to know……