Category: What’s On

What’s happening in Stirchley Baths

Do you have stories to share about Stirchley?

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Last night I spoke at Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum about the Bath’s project. People were keen to know how the restoration is progressing, so I shared old photographs and recent ones to show how much progress has been made.

In June 2014 the roof of the Baths looked like this:

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In January 2015 it looks like this:

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The roof lanterns will be fully finished by next month.

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And the internal scaffolding in the main hall where the pool is, has now been removed:

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I also spoke about this blog site. I want more people to blog. I want you to blog! 

This blog was created to share Stirchley residents’ passion for the community centre. It is also a place to share memories of Stirchley’s past and present day activities.

In March there will be opportunities to learn how to blog. Social surgeries will be organised (hopefully 3) to help people who’d like to share their stories. More details about when these sessions will happen will appear on Stirchley Baths Facebook page, Twitter @StirchleyBaths and via the Neighbourhood Forum.

It would be great to share old photos and memorabilia. If you have anything but don’t want to blog please get in touch if you’re happy for me to share them. Or bring them with you to the social surgeries in March.

A resident at the forum asked me about the floor plan for the community centre. Mark Sloane, the architect has kindly sent it to me. The first image is the most recent plan of the layout of the whole site. The second image is from early 2014, but shows in detail the intended uses of the rooms.

PM2585-111 Proposed Site Plan[1]

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The Baths project is about to get even more exciting. We want as many people as possible to be part of it.

My email address is louisedeakin96@aol.com or you can message me on here or Stirchley Baths on Facebook or Twitter (@stirchleybaths).

 

It has to be a yes – Shona McQuillan

Stirchley resident Shona McQuillan on why the HLF decision for Stirchley Baths – due very soon – just has to be a yes…

Hands Up

“I love the regeneration idea for Stirchley Baths. Making use of a beautiful, richly historic existing building rather than plundering cash into carbon-copy new-build is vital – and is something that should be happening more and more.

The plans won’t wipe out what’s there already, rather they will make the most of Stirchley’s unique traits and personality.

The community hub can factor in the whole spectrum of potential trade and cultural activity. Its community spaces will bring members of the community together when they might not normally be encouraged to do so.

The regeneration of Stirchley Baths could have a pivotal role in the rebirth of the area and support of such diverse activity. The time to sow the seeds of the renaissance is now.”

The decision from HLF is expected very soon. Please tell us why it *has* to be a ‘yes’ by:

  • Leaving a comment here on the website
  • Sending an email to stirchleybaths@gmail.com
  • Tweeting us a message @stirchleybaths
  • Leaving a comment on our Facebook page

 

It has to be a yes – Peter Walker from Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum

Peter Walker is the chairman of Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum, a community group run by and for local people. Membership is open to anyone who lives or runs a business in Stirchley. The Forum provides an opportunity for local people to discuss and influence the issues that affect the village.

Here, Peter explains why the Heritage Lottery decision on transforming Stirchley Baths into a community centre just has to be a yes…

Peter Walker

I can’t wait for the result of our funding application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. It has to happen, doesn’t it?

Stirchley Baths has been closed for over 22 years now and I fear that it will be lost forever should this project not go ahead.

There are so many community groups in Stirchley, all waiting to move into the community centre that Stirchley residents deserve for all that they do for the village.

Somewhere modern, clean and safe where young mums and dads can take their children and meet others, where teenagers can meet their friends and pursue their needs in a safe environment and where the older residents can meet with their friends.

Stirchley is a strong community – let’s keep it that way.

There’s lots more information on Stirchley Neighbourhood Forum HERE.

The decision from HLF is expected very soon. Please tell us why it *has* to be a ‘yes’ by:

It has to be a yes – Rob Gilbert from Stirchley Stores

Rob Gilbert is the committee chair of Stirchley Stores, the co-operative on Pershore Road that supplies ethical, affordable and local food. Stirchley Stores wants to move into the Stirchley Baths community hub. Here, Rob explains why the Heritage Lottery decision due very soon has to be a ‘yes’ for Stirchley…

Stirchley Stores

“The Stirchley Baths community hub is the ideal place for Stirchley Stores. Sustainability and community are at the heart of Stirchley Stores, helping people contribute to the rejuvenation of their High Street. These values are what the community hub project is all about too.

We need a new premises because Loaf – our neighbour in Pershore Road – is looking to expand. We currently use the premises rent-free in exchange for selling their bread and the consensus among our members is that Stirchley Baths is the ideal location for us. It’s a good-value plan and will help us to be even more connected to the local community.

We’re growing too. We’re mostly run by volunteers, although we pay a volunteer co-ordinator and we’re about to take on our first paid worker in the shop too. Moving into the community hub will help us to take Stirchley Stores to the next stage.

The Stirchley Baths community hub will be a real focal point for the whole Stirchley community, enabling more people to connect and get things done for the good of the village. There will be a cafe in there, a cinema, meeting rooms, events – it will be a huge boost for the whole village and we’re really keen to be a part of it.”

The decision from HLF is expected very soon. Please tell us why it *has* to be a ‘yes’ by: