Hopes of community lifeline for baths facing uncertain future

Last month the campaign to save Bramley Baths was given a boost when councillors agreed extra cash for the pool for six months from September, meaning it could be open for 20 more hours a week than originally proposed as part of budget cuts.

However, the long-term future of the baths remains in doubt and next week senior councillors in the city will debate whether a community asset transfer could take place, which could see the baths taken over by a local charity or other organisation.

Grade II-listed Bramley Baths, in Broad Lane, was the last of eight public baths built in Leeds between 1899 and 1904. It is an Edwardian building housing a gym, a pool and a fitness room, that serves a population of around 30,000 people, chiefly those living in Bramley and Rodley.

Councillors will be asked whether they support the running of the baths being taken over by the community.

A report to members of Leeds City Council’s executive board says: “The distinctive features of this site mean that there is a reasonable chance of a viable community management arrangement being developed, which may be more sustainable and offer a better service than the council may be able to offer in the long term.”

Councillors will be told that the acute financial pressures facing the local authority means there is a risk the council’s management of the site may no longer be the best way of ensuring its future.

However, members will be told that while there is a public interest in seeking community involvement, the saving to the council will be less as the baths will absorb customers likely to transfer to other council leisure centres.

In a deputation to the council in April the Friends of Bramley Baths said: “The baths were restored in 1992 with civic investment to ensure the survival of the last of eight public baths built in Leeds between 1899 and 1904, one of only 13 that now remain in use and open to the public for swimming in the UK.

“This is a Grade II-listed building, a stunning architectural gem that this city should be proud of, we believe, and that has the features to inspire visits and support from across Leeds and beyond.”

The council says that visitor numbers are falling but the Friends argued that more could be done to market the baths and encourage more people through the doors.

It suggested testing new markets that will appeal to potential new visitors, such as early 7am opening and late 10.30pm closing.

Council chiefs say the use of Bramley Baths has declined in recent years, especially in 2010, when a new pool opened in Armley, leading to a 30 per cent fall in use.

In 2011-12 the authority has had to slash its budget by £90m and while looking for savings officers at one stage considered recommending its closure.

However, in the end it was agreed to reduce hours.

Last month the council’s Inner West Area Committee agreed to top up the baths’ budget by £37,800, meaning it could open for 20 extra hours a week from September for the rest of the financial year, taking opening to 49 hours a week.

In the report council bosses say they are unconvinced that opening at earlier and later times and would prove to be cost-effective. They also say cash has been spent on marketing, although not specifically promoting the heritage ambience of the site.

Members will be asked if they are in favour of seeking a group to take over the running of the baths when members of the executive board meet on Wednesday.

A public meeting to discuss the baths’ future will be held at Bramley Community Centre, Waterloo Lane, Bramley, Leeds, tonight from 6pm to 7pm.