Art / Hotwells
New artwork adds splash of colour to Jacob’s Wells Baths
A new artwork has been unveiled on the side of Jacob’s Wells Baths as a crowdfunder is launched to raise funds to repair and restore the building in order to bring it back into community use.
The pen and ink drawing of the former swimming pool and dance centre is by Hotwells artist Amy Hutchings.
It features words shared by members of the Hotwells community, gathered from a community consultation led by Trinity Community Arts as part of their plans to restore and reopen the Grade II-listed building.
is needed now More than ever
The crowdfunder hopes to raise £5,000 that will help towards crucial costs as part of the current investigations and works needed so far to the dilapidated red brick building on Jacob’s Wells Road.
Trinity staff have been leading the project to restore the baths since Bristol City Council announced at the start of 2023 that the former Bristol Dance Centre was at risk of disposal after plans for it to be turned into a gym and swimming pool fell through.
Jacob’s Wells Baths opened in 1889 for the use of the working poor – photo: Martin Booth
The city council have recently offered Trinity a 35-year community asset transfer lease, subject to receipt of a satisfactory business plan.
Trinity bosses hope that a six-month occupational license will enable them to carry out specialist surveys and undertake emergency works to halt any further damage to the roof due to water ingress.
The crowdfunder says that Trinity “is on a mission to rescue Jacob’s Wells Baths, Bristol, and transform it into a dynamic space for youth, arts, community and learning”.
“Together with the community, we’ve developed a plan to repair, renovate and revive this amazing building.
“We’re working to raise £4m to deliver a phased programme of works and we’re asking the people of Bristol to give what they can to support this exciting and ambitious project.”
Trinity hope to restore the building on Jacob’s Wells Road to its former glory – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Historic former baths to be restored following campaign
- Vision to turn former pool into ‘jewel of Cliftonwood and Hotwells’
- ‘We can reimagine a different future for Jacob’s Wells Baths’
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
