Council unable to continue spending money on empty former baths

The chief executive of Trinity says she is “disappointed” that Bristol City Council has declined their proposal to take on the management of Jacob’s Wells Baths.

The arts organisation has been given an extension until the end of June to submit revised plans for the future of the building.

Another bidder, Bristol Historic Buildings, has also been given the same extension, as they hope to add the former swimming pool and dance centre on Jacob’s Wells Road to their portfolio that includes the Mount Without on St Michael’s Hill, Kings Weston House in Kingsweston and the Lamplighters pub in Shirehampton.

Bristol City Council say that they are unable to continue to cover the costs of looking after the empty property and any scheme “will need to bear the full cost immediately”.

Trinity’s proposals are to transform Jacob’s Wells Baths into “a vibrant community arts hub”.

Plans include revitalising the building as a space for dance, youth and community provision, which Trinity CEO Emma Harvey said “encompassed a fully costed business plan and aligned with One City objectives”.

Harvey is of the opinion that Trinity’s application scored highly against Bristol City Council’s community asset transfer (CAT) criteria, outlined in a blog by deputy mayor Craig Cheney in March.

A council document seen by Bristol24/7 reveals that “the option of dispersal” will be considered at a cabinet meeting on July 4, with the building being sold at auction a possible scenario.

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

Harvey said: “It is disappointing given the levels of support and investment that the city has made in certain assets that they are the one stakeholder we’ve failed to mobilise, even though we only need their support with a leasehold offer in principle and not any funding.

“We recognise the difficult position local authorities face in trying to balance budgets. However, this is a classic catch-22 that only they have the power to break – we are simply unable to progress planned grant applications to the next stages and this leaves us without a realistic prospect of success given that the building is currently uninsurable for reinstatement value in its current condition.

“This presents a real problem for that site given its condition and listed building status.

“With specific funds such coming with strict deadlines our window of opportunity to save this building is at risk of closing, unless we can mobilise support from BCC.

“And by support, I don’t mean money – I just mean a letter from someone in charge to says, ‘yes, we support this proposal’. It’s really, sadly, that simple.”

A former vision for the future of Jacob’s Wells Baths from PH3 Design – image: PH3 Design

Jacob’s Wells Baths was built in 1889 to serve the working poor and was a dance hub for 30 years after it stopped being a swimming pool, with Bristol Dance Centre leasing the building from the council for a peppercorn rent.

In December 2022, leisure company Fusion Lifestyle announced they were pulling out of restoring and managing the space after orignally planning to restore the swimming pool.

A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “Our ambition remains to see this Grade II Listed building restored and back in active use for the benefit of Bristol, at no further cost to the council.

“We are unable to continue to cover the ongoing, significant costs of repairs and security for this vacant property.

“We have provided feedback to bidders on proposals which have been received to date, and have been in touch with Trinity Community Arts and Bristol Historic Buildings to offer them an extension up until 30 June to submit revised plans.

“This includes considering a direct sale at a price below the value of the building, factoring in social value; a long lease without any further risk or expense to the council; or any similar proposal that would achieve social benefits and preserve this property.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read next:

• Campaign to transform former swimming pool into community hub
• Community could still help transform Jacob’s Wells Baths
• ‘We can reimagine a different future for Jacob’s Wells Baths’

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