By John Baron
Bramley Baths has today launched a community share issue in a bid to raise £350,000 to future-proof its Grade II-Listed Edwardian building.
Bosses at the Baths – which today celebrated its 120th birthday – have identified a series of improvements to the building over the next five years and are looking to raise enough money to repair and replace parts of the leaking roof and replace the roof lanterns.
If the £350,000 target is surpassed, the Baths has a stretch target of £500,000 to allow the refurbishment of accessible toilet facilities and also contribute towards the wider regeneration of the building, which opened as a public bathhouse on 17 October, 1904.
The Baths, which has been community led since 2013, are asking for a minimum share of £50 from investors.
All members will receive part ownership of a community led facility for fitness, health, wellbeing and fun, alongside a regular newsletter, an entitlement to interest on your share capital once the Baths’ finances permits, a vote at the AGM and other benefits.
Bramley Baths chief executive David Wilford said: “We believe that this is the time for us to become not only community led, but part community owned. This is the time for local people who love the building to invest and support the continued use of the building.”
Trustee Steph Taylor said: “This place is really special. The model is incredible. It works because of everybody’s passion, everybody’s focus and everybody’s relentless ambition for this to be a place which the community owns and the community feels is their home.
“For the next 120 years we are going to need some money to keep this place going, but instead of doing that the usual way we are launching a share offer. This means we can really extend the way we are run and led by the community out as far as possible an into genuine community ownership.
“For as little as £50 people can own a bit of the Baths and be a part of the Baths – and we really hope you will help us.”
The share issue runs until 28 November 2024.
More details on the community shares and take part in the share issue here.
120th birthday celebrations
Leeds Lord Mayor Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung today led the celebrations marking the Baths’ 120th birthday. A special ceremony was held at 3pm – the exact time the Baths were opened on this day in 1904 by Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress Mr and Mrs A Currer Briggs.
Watch the video below for the Lord Mayor’s comments:
Bramley Baths chair, Nick Quin, said: “I don’t think in 1904 the Lord Mayor would have imagined that in 120 years’ time that we would have been stood here, and there’s no way he could have imagined the stories that live in this place. It’s more than just a pool and more than just a leisure facility, but a real jewel in the heart of Bramley.
“It’s rooted in the community, and hopefully it’s ready for the next 120 years as well.”
Watch as the candles are blown out on a birthday cake by the Lord Mayor and grown ups who learned to swim at the Baths as a child:
The 120th birthday celebrations continue on Saturday, 19 October, with a circus-themed community birthday party.
Entry to the building is free, if you fancy a trip down memory lane or just fancy a look around. Refreshments will be served in the studio space. If you are planning to come for a swim, entry is £2 per person, and booking is essential.
For more information, please contact reception on 0113 256 0949 or e-mail hello@bramleybaths.com.