Work begins at historic Heath Town Baths and Library

Plans to convert a historic former Wolverhampton leisure site for community use have taken a step forward – after developers signed a long-term lease for the building this week.

Spades hit the ground in earnest at the Heath Town Baths and Library on Tudor Road, which has been derelict for around 20 years, with the early 20th century municipal building set to be overhauled for a mix of uses including a banqueting hall, day nursery, training and conference facilities and community spaces.

The former public baths opened in 1932, with the library following suit around a year later. The building also contained a public laundry washhouse, and was one of the earliest examples of co-located public services in the region. It was granted listed status in 2000, shortly before it was closed to the public by Wolverhampton Council in 2002.

A ground-breaking ceremony took place at the Heath Town site this week. Credit: MDG Architects

Developer Gaddu Associates is now carrying out early works to secure the site prior to the start of the conversion, after signing a lease agreement with the local authority which makes them responsible for the restoration of the building and its future use as a venue – and sets strict criteria for the delivery of the scheme.

City of Wolverhampton declined to confirm the specific length of the lease agreement, but Cllr Chris Burden, the city council’s cabinet member for city development, said the authority was eager to see the building put back into use.

“The historic Heath Town Baths and Library building is much loved, and we are looking forward to seeing the developer progress this scheme now they have signed a conditional long lease,” he said.

“The council recognises the importance of community assets such as this and are keen to see it brought back into beneficial use for Heath Town and the wider city.”

Birmingham-based architects MDG were appointed to the scheme in December 2022, with managing director and owner Daniel Wicks saying the firm was delighted to be involved in a project which held such significance for the local area.

“The facility holds significant heritage value, and this represents an important investment in both community wellbeing and the preservation of a much-valued local asset,” he said.

“We are proud to contribute our design expertise to sensitively revitalise the building while respecting its historic character.

“As designers, we recognise the vital role that high-quality public facilities play in supporting healthier communities. The scheme presents an excellent opportunity to enhance accessibility, improve environmental quality, and create a modern, welcoming space that will serve the local community for many years to come.”

Pavan Gaddu of Gaddu Associates, added: “We are glad to start works on the former Heath Town Baths and Library and want the local community to engage with us in the redevelopment of this most iconic building that has so much history and fond stories attached to it.

“We have had so many people talk to us about their happy memories and we want to see them be a part of the next phase to restore the building.”