A SAVE & WMF Britain walking tour
Join SAVE and World Monuments Fund Britain (WMF) for a special hard-hat tour of Moseley Road Baths with Matthew Vaughan before major renovation works commence. Prior to our visit, we will explore together with Joe Holyoak the surrounding area, where we’ll encounter remarkable heritage buildings that showcase a story of community dedication and cultural regeneration. Highlights include Balsall Heath Library, Moseley Community Hub (formerly the School of Art) and The Old Print Works—all revitalised through significant investment, much of it driven by passionate volunteers.
Moseley Road Baths, an Edwardian public bathhouse in Birmingham, stands as a testament to the social and architectural ideals of late 19th-century Britain, when public baths were essential for improving public health. Threatened with closure in 2016 due to budget cuts, the baths were saved through the efforts of local advocates and organisations such as WMF and the National Trust. Over £1 million was secured for emergency repairs, and the site is now operated by a local charitable group. Hear from WMF about their involvement and efforts in the restoration of the baths. As part of a £32.7 million regeneration plan, the baths are being transformed into a vibrant hub for leisure, wellbeing, and cultural activities, ensuring their continued role in the community. Recent achievements include roof repairs completed in 2020, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of this historic landmark.
Matthew Vaughan, the Practice Director of Donald Insall Birmingham Office, is a conservation-accredited architect who revitalises historic buildings for modern use.
Joe Holyoak is an architect and urban designer with expertise in master planning, regeneration, and conservation. He led Birmingham’s first Neighbourhood Plan and chairs the city’s Conservation and Heritage Panel. Joe also supports the Victorian and Twentieth Century Societies in preserving architectural heritage.
Emma Sweeney is Projects Manager at World Monuments Fund Britain, overseeing UK and UK-funded international heritage projects. She previously worked at the Fashion and Textile Museum, London, and the National Trust for Scotland, with a background in art history and cultural management.
Tickets: £38 per person (includes access, the guiding fee for baths and Balsall Heath, a light lunch, and the Eventbrite booking fees). Bookings are now closed.
Please note that last-minute building works may affect access to Moseley Road Baths. All visitors must wear PPE, including steel toe-capped boots, which will be provided on the day. If you have your own steel toe-capped boots, please bring them. Spaces are limited, so advance booking is essential.
