Council bosses back plans to transform derelict swimming baths and library

Plans to bring a derelict swimming baths and library in Wolverhampton back into use have been give the go-ahead.

The plans to bring the historic Heath Town Baths and Library back to life have been approved by City of Wolverhampton Council’s planning committee.

The proposals were put forward by the council’s preferred developer Gaddu Associates.

It follows extensive community consultation by Gaddu Associates, which will fully refurbish the Grade II-listed building for a mix of uses including a banqueting hall, day nursery, training and conference facilities and community spaces.

Gaddu Associates will take a long lease of the site and will be solely responsible for it, the restoration of the building and future use as a venue.

Pavan Gaddu of Gaddu Associates said: “We are delighted to secure planning permission.

“We have worked with Heathfield Park Community Action Network and the council to understand the needs of local people and now we can look forward to putting the building back to its former place at the heart of the Heath Town community.

“Our plans involve the restoration of the whole building and will respect the historic and architectural importance and innovation which was shown at the time of its construction.”

The council’s deputy leader Stephen Simkins, added: “The much-loved Heath Town Baths and Library remain a priority for the Council and in particular the ward councillors.

“This is a major step towards bringing this historic building back into beneficial use for Heath Town and the wider city.

“The council recognises the importance of community assets such as this and we can now look forward to seeing Gaddu Associates make their vision a reality.”

The building, first opened in 1932, housed two swimming pools, a wash house and a library. It has been on the statutory list of buildings of architectural and historic importance since 2000.