News / Heritage
Former baths and pub both added to Buildings at Risk register
Two buildings in Bristol have been added to the Buildings at Risk register from Save Britain’s Heritage.
Jacob’s Wells Baths in Hotwells and the Bell pub in Redcliffe are both in a very poor condition, but while the former pub will almost certainly be demolished, there is still hope to save the historic baths.
The former swimming pool and dance centre on Jacob’s Wells Road looks set to be sold by Bristol City Council as a surplus asset despite two bids from organisations hoping to bring it back into public use.
is needed now More than ever
Developers want to demolish the 18th century Bell pub on Prewett Street – to the rear of the Ramada Hotel on Redcliffe Way – and build a four-storey block of flats.
Save Britain’s Heritage say that “it seems there is no hope of salvation” for the pub originally known as the Blue Bell which was built on the site of an old forge and pulled its last pint in 2008.
The former Bell pub is missing its roof – photo: Martin Booth
Over on Jacob’s Wells Road, the former baths is not in quite so bad a state as the Bell, but remains sadly unused and slowly crumbling.
Described as having “the appearance of a palatial residence” by Save Britain’s Heritage, the building’s inclusion on the list is unlikely to change the council’s mind to sell it, with Bristol’s cabinet being asked to approve its “disposal” at their meeting on July 4.
Jacob’s Wells Baths became a dance centre after it closed as a swimming pool – photo: Martin Booth
“Jacob’s Wells Baths were completed in 1889 in the Northern Renaissance style,” says the building’s listing on the at risk register.
“The grade II listed baths were taken over by Bristol Community Dance Centre in the 1980s but went back to the Council in 2016.
“Despite finding a new tenant wanting to reopen the historic pools, the project did not proceed and the condition of the building has deteriorated.
“Now a new use is needed for the building and an energetic community group is keen to take it on.”
Opened in 1887, the baths were described at the time by the Western Daily Press as “one of the finest in the kingdom” – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Council unable to continue spending money on empty former baths
- Vision to turn former pool into ‘jewell of Cliftonwood and Hotwells’
- Fears for future of Brunel’s ‘other’ bridge
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