Birmingham Council has acknowledged that the regeneration of Erdington Baths is expected to face further delays, with the project scope potentially changing due to budget pressures. The historic building, vacant since 2014, was slated for transformation into a community and enterprise hub, but unforeseen issues have led to a £1.7 million budget slippage.
Budget Under Pressure
The council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) each allocated £2 million for the project. However, the council now reports that the budget is under pressure. A previously unidentified redundant fuel tank and the need to rebuild a retaining wall at the rear of the site have contributed to delays in completing a lease with the tenant undertaking the works. The council stated, "Further delays are expected as the budget provided is now under-pressure and external grant applications are being investigated to make up the gap. This may lead to a change on the scope of the project."
Project Vision and Setbacks
The initial phase of the regeneration was to convert the main reception area and pool hall into a co-working space, events and meeting rooms, and studio pods, along with roof restoration. A second phase was planned to add a restaurant/café, creche, and smaller offices. However, the project has faced multiple setbacks, including energy performance concerns identified in late 2023 and land ownership complications with the National Grid, which delayed the lease process.
Community Engagement
Afzal Hussain, chief officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, which has been working on the project alongside the council, expressed enthusiasm last year. He said, "Community and people are at the heart of everything we do and want to achieve. We have held a number of engagement events at the site on Mason Road so people can come and find out about the plans to transform the building into an enterprise hub and, most importantly, help co-design the look and feel of the building." Hussain added, "The baths hold a special place in the hearts of local residents so it was always a priority for us to include those people in the development process."
Current Status
Witton Lodge Community Association previously noted that work on the £4 million project kickstarted with the creation of a vibrant pocket park and recent strip-out works preparing the building for surveying. The council continues to investigate external grant applications to address the budget gap, which may result in changes to the project's scope.
