Balfour Beatty has commenced a £3.3m project to convert the historic Stirchley Baths building into a community hub for residents of South Birmingham.

The work on the Grade II listed building, originally opened in 1910, will involve the conversion of the former local swimming pool into a multipurpose hall for sport, recreational and community activities, as well as the provision of meeting rooms, cafe and classrooms.

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The work was commissioned as a result of campaigning by the local community with the support of Birmingham City Council who secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Sustainability is a key element of the project and many of the original materials will be reused, preserving key historic features, including the original kiosk within the entrance area, the iconic chimney flue, balconies and tiling.

The façade made of carved stonework and brickwork will be cleaned and restored on site along with lantern lighting and trusses which support the roof. This will also have its covering of Cumberland slate removed and cleaned. There are also plans to reinstate previous historic features such as the distinctive cupola and clock facing onto Hazelwell Street.

(CD/JP)