Further boost for #SaveJWB

Image by Alistair Brookes

Historic England has awarded a grant of £89,743 to the Grade II listed Jacobs Wells Baths in Bristol, providing a further boost to secure the future of this important Victorian building.

The funding will support urgent repairs to the south studio wing, releasing the space for temporary community use while the wider restoration plans progress.

The work will include the restoration of the roof lantern, repairs to the chimney, roof supports, and gutters, and essential masonry work.

The south wing once housed the women’s warm baths. It is matched by another single-story wing on the north side which housed the men’s warm baths.

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Ross Simmonds, South West Regional Director at Historic England, said: "Jacobs Wells Baths is a remarkable example of Victorian civic architecture that tells an important story about public health and community life in Bristol. This grant represents another vital step in breathing new life into this much-loved building, ensuring it can once again serve as a vibrant community asset."

Emma Harvey, CEO of Trinity Community Arts, said: "This funding is more welcome news for Jacobs Wells Baths. These essential repairs will not only protect the building's historic fabric but will help us create a temporary community hub in the south wing. This space will become crucial for engaging local residents and stakeholders as we develop our wider vision for the building's future."

Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, said: “Jacobs Wells Baths is an incredible historic building and I’ve been delighted to watch the progress as it has been restored for the community to use.

“This grant will play a vital role in ensuring that the Baths can become a thriving community hub, and I can’t wait to see the outcome of the restoration.”

This is the second Historic England repair grant to support the Saving Jacobs Wells project, which aims to transform the baths into a multi-purpose community, civic arts, and heritage hub. A grant of £57,800 in 2024 funded emergency works to prevent water getting into the building.

History

Built in 1889 to the designs of City Surveyor Josiah Thomas, the Northern Renaissance Revival style building features distinctive local red brick with buff terracotta dressings. The baths originally served Bristol residents with both swimming facilities and warm baths, fed by the natural springs of Jacob's Well on Brandon Hill. The building was listed at Grade II in 1977.