Campaign to transform former swimming pool into community hub

A local community with no dedicated community space is asking Bristol City Council to transform a former swimming pool into a new hub for the area.

Hotwells & Cliftonwood Community Association have started a petition to ask the council to work with local people to transform Jacob’s Wells Baths into a community hub.

This community focus has always been key here, and the building has a rich and varied heritage. Opened in 1887, the Baths were described at the time by the Western Daily Press as “one of the finest in the kingdom”.

Jacob’s Wells Baths in 1904 – image: Bristol Archives

Close to Jacob’s Wells Industrial Dwellings, the baths were intended for use by the working poor.

Converted into the home of Bristol Community Dance Centre in the 1980s, the public baths gained an internationally acclaimed rosewood sprung floor which still remains in place over the top of the pool.

The former swimming pool and baths have remained empty and unused for the last five years since a charity was granted the lease of the historic building with plans to turn it back into a swimming pool.

But in December, Fusion, who run locations including Shepton Mallet Lido and Wells Sport & Fitness, pulled out of restoring and managing the building.

Jacob’s Wells Baths on Jacob’s Wells Road has now been disused for several years – photo: Martin Booth

Since the closure of Hope Centre – now Hope Community Church, where Bristol mayor Marvin Rees worships – the communities of Hotwells and Cliftonwood have been without a dedicated community space.

“We have no place where people can come for confidential advice on issues such as the cost of living,” writes Rachel McNally on behalf of Hotwells & Cliftonwood Community Association.

“There is no space for community activities. There is no space for local people to meet: facing challenges and celebrating successes together.

“We believe that the withdrawal of Fusion from the development of Jacob’s Wells Baths represents an opportunity to reimagine this much loved historic building as a genuine community asset.

“Jacob’s Wells Baths are ideally placed as a community hub, with sufficient space to develop activities, resources, events and services.

“This approach will support local people to develop a sense of community and build trust between our communities and the council.

“We wish to work with the council, other city partners (such as Trinity), and stakeholders to retain Jacob’s Wells Baths for the community now and develop the building for our future.

‘Contact Gonzo vs Bristol’ at Jacob’s Wells Baths as part of Mayfest 2018 – photo: Paul Blakemore

“In a city that is growing fast, with ambitions to be carbon neutral by 2030 we need such spaces that give people the time and space to grow into communities, share ideas and develop solutions to local challenges and global problems.

“We know that we need time to develop such plans for Jacob’s Wells Baths and we urge Bristol City Council to work with us to find a solution that retains this building for future generations of Bristolians and not lose it to private development.”

To sign the petition, visit www.change.org/p/save-jacob-s-wells-baths-transform-it-into-a-community-hub

Main photo: Artspace Lifespace

Read next:

• ‘We can reimagine a different future for Jacob’s Wells Baths’
• Campaigners hope former baths can be brought back into community use
• Behind the scenes: Jacob’s Wells Road Baths

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