By John Baron
West Leeds residents have rallied to help Bramley Baths pass a £350,000 target to futureproof its Grade II Listed building.
Bramley Baths’ community share issue has raised an impressive £374,360 to fund key works to the roof. The money came from 531 investors.
The voluntary board agreed with the senior leadership team, supported by the Co-operatives UK share unit, that instead of traditional methods of fundraising they would launch their first Community Share Offer.
This enabled people and organisations to invest in the Baths, and in return pay interest on investments as a way of giving back to their community and supporters.
The money will allow Baths’ bosses to complete the work on the roof and also allow them to install more energy efficient measures to secure the immediate future of the Baths.
Jennie Willetts, Business Development Manager at the Baths, said: “It has been a privilege to be part of such an amazing campaign and to see first-hand the amount of support the Baths has received is truly remarkable – especially in a time of financial hardship for many.
“It’s a true testament to the special place the Baths holds in peoples own stories and hearts.”£
CEO David Wilford said: “It’s fantastic! Our team, community and supporters have made this campaign such a huge success and we couldn’t have done it without each and every single investor. Thank you!”
Honorary President of Bramley Baths, Sir John Battle, said: “It’s a fantastic tribute to a great team at Bramley Baths and very many people in our community – individuals and families – who made a massive contribution to the future of the Bramley Baths. The brilliant business plan is a model of how social enterprises should go.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey, said: “I am so pleased that Bramley Baths has achieved the ambitious target of raising £350k.
“Contributions from over 500 investors will enable vital repairs to the roof so that the generations to come can continue to benefit from this social enterprise in the heart of West Leeds. A huge thank you to all who have made this happen.”
The Baths had invested in work to secure its gable end and add energy efficient boilers in recent years. From last month solar panels are now powering the pool as well.
The leisure facility, which features a gym, pool and fitness studios running classes, celebrated its 120th anniversary last year, and has been community led since 2013.