WLCA Kicks Off £4M Erdington Baths Transformation with High-Profile Launch

July 29, 2024
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Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) marked a significant milestone in the transformation of the former Erdington Baths into a state-of-the-art Enterprise Hub with a celebratory ‘first wave’ launch event.

The gathering, attended by over 60 distinguished guests, showcased the community’s enthusiasm for this ambitious project. Among the attendees were key political figures including Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council and Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands who both spoke at the event.

The £4 million initiative jointly funded by Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, has commenced with the clearance of the external grounds, preparing the site for the creation of a vibrant pocket park. This initial step sets the stage for the broader transformation of the Victorian building into the Erdington Enterprise Hub which will support entrepreneurs and help to develop new and growing businesses in the area as well as provide a vibrant hub for the community.

The first phase of the multi-million-pound regeneration will see the main reception area and pool hall converted into a co-working space, studio pods, events and meeting rooms, and the roof restored. Other essential repairs will also be completed. A second phase, to follow, will add a restaurant/café, creche and smaller offices. Once fully occupied the hub will help to support up to 80 local jobs.

“I’m keen to see it revitalised and ready to inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands discusses the Erdington Enterprise Hub with Afzal Hussain of WLCA.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) said: “It is great to see the former Erdington swimming baths and these century old buildings start to be sensitively restored for new uses as an enterprise facility and community hub.

“This building has lain empty for almost a decade, so I’m keen to see it revitalised and ready to inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

“My primary goals are to ensure our region is the best place to live, learn, and do business. I want to work with our partners to create a modern West Midlands Growth Plan to support smaller independent businesses, boost jobs and remove the barriers to growth. I am confident projects such as this will be one of many to help our region, especially its young people, truly flourish.

“It is a great example of partnership working where the West Midlands Combined Authority, through its funding, is able to support the ambitions of Witton Lodge Community Association and Birmingham City Council.”

 

Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council gives a speech at the launch event.

Birmingham City Council leader Cllr John Cotton said: “Birmingham City Council is delighted to be working with Witton Lodge Community Association on this fantastic project and it’s great to now have regional backing.

“Supporting local businesses and improving accessibility to wider employment opportunities.”

“The Erdington Enterprise and Entrepreneur Hub will once again put this historic building at the very heart of Erdington life, bringing the community together, supporting local businesses and improving accessibility to wider employment opportunities for the local residents.”

The launch event was complemented by a community engagement initiative held outside the former Erdington Baths, offering both invited guests and residents a unique opportunity to step inside the historic building. This rare access allowed visitors to witness firsthand the current condition of the baths, providing valuable context for the ambitious renovation plans.

Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington said “I’m delighted that the work to transform the derelict Erdington swimming baths into a state-of-the-art community enterprise hub will begin after we were able to secure the funding to help the amazing team pull it off.

“Congratulations to Afzal, Linda, and the entire team at Witton Lodge for turning this dream into a reality.”

“Thanks to the vision and dedication of local leaders, the iconic building will no longer be a relic; it’ll be a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, businesses, and families. The restoration and renovation project will support the creation of 80 jobs and provide a vibrant space for the community. Congratulations to Afzal, Linda, and the entire team at Witton Lodge for turning this dream into a reality.”

Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s progress: “We’re thrilled to announce the commencement of our ‘first wave’ of work with the creation of a pocket park, marking a significant milestone in our six-year journey. This initial step paves the way for the first phase of transforming the beloved, yet long-neglected baths into a vibrant community and enterprise hub at the heart of Erdington.”

“We’re inviting the community to be part of this journey.”

Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association gives a speech at the launch event.

Emphasizing the importance of community engagement he said, “Our vision extends beyond the physical transformation of the former Erdington Baths. We’re committed to creating a dedicated facility that provides on-site support that fosters local talent and empowers budding entrepreneurs and social enterprises. By hosting regular community events, we will ensure that residents are not just spectators, but active participants in this exciting journey.

“We believe it’s crucial for our community to see the building in its present state, this will not only provide context for the scale of the renovation ahead but also allows residents to fully appreciate the transformation process as it unfolds. By opening the doors to the public, we’re inviting the community to be part of this journey from the very beginning.”

Expanding on its successful project launch, WLCA has unveiled plans to host monthly community engagement events, creating an ongoing forum for residents to voice their ideas and concerns regarding the transformation of the former baths, while also receiving regular updates on the project’s progress.

Stay up-to-date on future news and events regarding the Erdington Enterprise Hub. Simply email your details to the address below and  and we will add you to our mailing list. Steve.Sharma@wittonlodge.org.uk

 

 

 

 

 

Interested to see more? Take a look at photos from the launch event.

Below, see the current condition of the baths, followed by the vision that they will be transformed into as the Erdington Enterprise Hub.