Coventry Society Reluctantly Backs Demolition of Abandoned Swimming Baths

Strategic Insights -

The Coventry Society, a pressure group dedicated to preserving the city's heritage, has announced that it will not oppose plans to demolish the abandoned swimming baths in Cox Street. The building, which has stood empty for five years, currently incurs a £400,000 annual cost to maintain and secure. The society has expressed its disappointment at the decision but acknowledges the financial burden of maintaining a listed building.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Coventry Society has decided not to oppose the demolition of the swimming baths due to the building's high maintenance costs (£400,000 per year) and lack of viable reuse options.
  • The society will not fight the plans, despite the building's Grade II listed status being cited as a deterrent for potential developers.
  • Four caveats have been set by the Coventry Society for any application for listed building consent for demolition, including:

+ A clear statement on the long-term use of the Elephant leisure centre.

+ A detailed report demonstrating no alternative viable use for the swimming baths.

+ A comprehensive study on the proposed future use of the site, ruling out purpose-built student accommodation.

+ A statement on how the redevelopment will take account of the sensitive location adjacent to the Cathedral Quarter.

  • The society demands a high-quality proposal for the future use of the swimming baths site, aiming to match the civic ambition of the original Central Baths when they opened.

Statistics:

  • The swimming baths have been empty for five years.
  • The annual cost to maintain and secure the building is £400,000.
  • The building is Grade II listed.
  • The Coventry Society has set out four caveats for any demolition application.

Sources:

  • "Coventry Society will not oppose demolition of swimming baths", CoventryLive (no specific date mentioned in the source)
  • "Coventry Council owners of Cox Street baths being 'fast-tracked to demolish historic’ pool", CoventryLive (no specific date mentioned in the source)