A GRANT of nearly £90,000 will ensure that vital conservation work at Jacobs Wells Baths can continue.
The funding from Historic England will go towards urgent repairs to the south studio wing, releasing the space for temporary community use while the wider restoration plans progress.
The work will include restoring the roof lantern, repairs to the chimney, roof supports, and gutters, and essential masonry work.
The south wing once housed the women’s warm baths. It is matched by another single-storey wing on the north side which housed the men’s warm baths.
The £89,743 pledged is the second grant from Historic England in support of the Trinity Community Arts project to turn the Grade II listed Victorian building into a community and cultural hub.
Ross Simmonds, South West regional director at Historic England, said: “Jacobs Wells Baths is a remarkable example of Victorian civic architecture that tells an important story about public health and community life in Bristol. This grant represents another vital step in breathing new life into this building, ensuring it can once again serve as a vibrant community asset.”
Emma Harvey, CEO of Trinity Community Arts, said: “These essential repairs will not only protect the building’s historic fabric but will help us create a temporary community hub in the south wing. This space will become crucial for engaging local residents and stakeholders as we develop our wider vision for the building’s future.”
Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, said: “This grant will play a vital role in ensuring that the Baths can become a thriving community hub, and I can’t wait to see the outcome of the restoration.”
Built in 1889 to the designs of City Surveyor Josiah Thomas, the Northern Renaissance Revival style building features distinctive local red brick with buff terracotta dressings.
The baths originally served Bristol residents with both swimming facilities and warm baths, fed by the natural springs of Jacob’s Well on Brandon Hill.
The building later became Bristol’s only dedicated professional dance centre for over 30 years.
When plans to reinstate it as a pool fell through, the building was listed for disposal by Bristol City Council but after a campaign to save it, Trinity secured a 35-year lease and has so far brought in more than £1.8m towards its restoration.