A survey to gauge public support for plans to transform the Erdington Baths site into an enterprise hub has found 93% of people are in favour of the project.

Witton Lodge Community Association has been consulting residents and businesses across the district to help shape its plans to transform the defunct building into a state-of-the-art workspace facility.

More than 130 people have completed the online survey with 78% saying they would be interested in working from the site while 88% support the creation of a new community resource which nurtures and promotes creativity.

Erdington Baths has been vacant since its closure in 2014. Successful funding applications to The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) have provided capital to support the refurbishment of the building.

Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain, said: “It is important that we hear from as many local residents and businesses on this important project.

“We know from experience that projects and services are better when they are informed by local voices so it is hugely important everyone who can, completes the online survey and shares their views on this project.”

A number of local residents who have completed the survey have also shared their memories of Erdington Baths, and stressed the need to maintain the authenticity of its design.

One wrote, “keeping the facade of the original building is important for heritage” while another said, “Erdington has a very strong and diverse community so creating one central space to integrate people is a very positive thing.”

 

Key survey findings include

 

• 93% support the transformation and concept
• 88% say facilities are needed to host creative studios
• 76% say Erdington’s local community spaces need to be improved
• 71% support the idea of a local workspace facility
• 78% are interested in working from the site
• 54% want meetings spaces
• 53% wants breakout areas
• 62% want a cafe on site
• 55% want a green outdoor space

 

 

Other factors which respondents say are important considerations for the project include promoting community cohesion, supporting people with special needs, ensuring the facility is easily accessible and somewhere young professionals can meet socially.

There is also great sentimentality around Erdington Baths with people commenting on activities that used to be held at the site.

“A scout leader used to test local children for badges on a Wednesday night there,” said one person, while another commented, “my three eldest daughters learned to swim there and we had canoe lessons in the 1970s too.”

 

• If you would like to have your say on the exciting proposals to transform Erdington Baths into a thriving Enterprise Hub, please visit: https://www.erdingtonbaths.org/