Reuse, don't lose
SAVE Britain's Heritage Buildings at Risk Register, 2023
As Bristol City Council lists Jacobs Wells Baths for disposal in their 4th July 2023 Cabinet meeting, national advocacy group SAVE Britain's Heritage have added the asset to their 'At Risk' Register, highlighting the urgent need for its preservation and repurposing, along with 67 other new entries to their representing various historic structures across the country.
The nominations received for inclusion in the 'Reuse Me, Don't Lose Me' register showcase the diverse range of endangered buildings in need of attention and revival. Alongside Jacobs Wells Baths, other newly added entries are a burnt-out grade II* bank in Somerset, a neglected grade II townhouse in Margate, ex-industrial buildings in Hull, and a collection of 18th-century estate buildings near George Eliot's birthplace in Warwickshire. Each structure has its own unique story and requires dedicated efforts to breathe new life into them.
The inclusion of Jacobs Wells Baths in the register has happened just as the Council have it is deemed that the building "offers no contribution to service delivery or the local community", in papers published ready for (see pg 282) next week's meeting.
Contrary to this claim, the building has been identified as the only viable option for community and youth services for over 25,000 residents in Clifton, Hotwells & Harbourside. Its social and heritage value has created a huge strength of community feeling about the need for JWB to be retained as a community asset, with a petition in Feburary this year attracting over 1,000 signatures.
Jacobs Wells Baths, "offers no contribution to service delivery or the local community” - Bristol City Council, June 2023
With the complexities that limit demolition or development, Trinity are continuing to support the community case for reisnstatement as a community asset, offering to take on a leading role in developing and fundraising to deliver a viable recovery plan. Embracing a quick-fix mentality has led us to this point, and it is essential that we work collaboratively with the community to find a solution that yields the best results and value for the council, especially in these challenging times as people more and more are turning to our public spaces, through initiatives such as the city's Warm and Welcoming Spaces.
The inclusion of Jacobs Wells Baths in SAVE Britain's Heritage Buildings at Risk Register demonstrates the significance of preserving this historic site and finding a suitable organization, such as Trinity, capable of attracting grant funding to ensure its long-term survival.
As the fate of Jacobs Wells Baths hangs in the balance, there is still time to save it and encourage the Council to explore all possibilities to safeguard its future for benefit of the community and future generations.
Take action today
Submit a question or statement for local Cabinet
Check out our plans for viable asset recovery and management
Share on social media using the tags #SaveOurSpaces #SoldFromUnderYou #SaveJWB
About SAVE Britain's Heritage
SAVE Britain's Heritage is a leading national campaign organization, formed in 1975, that aims to save and protect historic buildings from unnecessary destruction or neglect. Through advocacy, education, and activism, SAVE works tirelessly to preserve the architectural heritage of the United Kingdom.
SAVE's Buildings at Risk register has been active for 34 years, serving as a platform to raise awareness about disused historic buildings and advocate for their reuse to ensure their survival. With growing national attention on the importance of finding sustainable new uses for historic sites, the register plays a crucial role in preserving our architectural heritage.
