The future of Jacobs Wells Baths in Hotwells is one step closer to being secured, as the Council's CAT Group announced its decision to award Trinity Community Arts a 35-year CAT lease, subject to receipt of a satisfactory business plan. This crucial development follows extensive discussions and careful consideration of proposals from both Trinity and Bristol Historic Buildings.
Trinity will also receive a 6-month occupational license during the transfer phase, to enable the group to undertake a detailed series of specialist surveys, funded by the Bristol-based Nisbet Trust. The Trinity team will be working with a team of professionals in conservation and historic asset preservation, led by Greenwood Projects.
The Grade II Listed building has faced an uncertain future when plans to reinstate it as a pool fell through at the end of last year.
In January 2023, a community-led campaign was launched backed with the support of Clifton councillors Katy Grant and Paula O’Rourke, alongside representatives from the Hotwells & Cliftonwood Community Association and Jacobs Wells Community Hub, as well as attracting high-profile endorsement from actor and national treasure Miriam Margolyes.
Fidel Meraz, Trustee from Trinity said; "We are deeply grateful to the local community and the Council for backing Trinity Community Arts' proposal for Jacobs Wells Baths. I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Nisbet Trust for their generous support in these early stages of our vision, which has been instrumental in propelling the Jacobs Wells Baths recovery and renovation project forward. Their contribution sets an inspiring example, encouraging others to rally behind this vital recovery initiative."
"Whilst we still have some distance to travel, this marks the first step in the preservation and restoration of Jacobs Wells Baths. This is a building that not only holds immense architectural significance but also provides space to facilitate enhanced access to essential services and support for the community. Bringing this vital building back into use will create a nurturing environment where individuals can find a sense of belonging and empowerment in overcoming the challenges they face. There has never been a more important time for projects like this."
Emma Harvey, CEO of Trinity said; “Big thank you to the local Councillors who have given their support from the outset and to all the professional team who have given their time generously to help us get to this stage. Thanks as well to the mayor’s office and all the Council Officers who, despite limited resources, have pulled out all the stops to complete this process. We have nothing but respect and admiration for Norman Routledge who spearheaded an alternative bid from Bristol Historic Buildings and who brings a wealth of experience in renovating various sites, including The Mount Without. The different approaches and strong competition between the two bids underscores the significance these heritage and civic spaces have to the city and highlights the crucial role of the CAT process in safeguarding such community assets. We’re pleased that we can adopt an approach which helps not only to restore this building for the community but most importantly keeps the building in public ownership.”
Councillor Paula O'Rourke said “I was delighted to be able to support the Trinity proposal and look forward to continuing to do so as they work towards fully acquiring the building and seeing it come back into use as a community hub. I’d also like to thank officers at BCC for the time and effort they put into making this happen."
Rachel McNally, Chair of Hotwells and Cliftonwood Community Association said: "We are delighted that the Council listened to local people and everyone who campaigned to save Jacobs Wells Baths for community use. We very much look forward to working with Trinity and our community to breathe life back into this wonderful building. We can't wait to fill Jacobs Wells Baths with people, art, performance, music, laughter and friendship for years to come."
The deadline for submitting the business plan and evidence is 13 September 2023, with a final decision expected by the end of October 2023.
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