Main photo from the Smethwick Baths report

Smethwick Baths

England · Leisure Venue · September 2023

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Country
England
Type
Leisure Venue
Published
September 2023
Contributor
UrbandonedTeam
Images
12 photographs
Videos
1

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History

The baths dates back to 1933 designed by Smethwick Borough Engineer, Roland Fletcher and the architect Chester Button. The building originally opened as Thimblemill Baths as a two-season facility, with swimming in the spring/summer months and concerts during the winter. It is an exceptionally fine building and a complete example of the ‘Moderne’ style of architecture. Reflecting this, and the wealth of high quality Art Deco internal features, the building is statutorily listed as Grade II. It hosted The Beatles and The Rolling Stones until it was converted into a leisure centre. The building has two pools.

The lack of boards with it only recently closing suggested that either would be heavily alarmed internally. Additionally, there are a lot of delightful Art Deco bits and bobs around the structure.

Photo from the Smethwick Baths report (image 1)

Reception.

Photo from the Smethwick Baths report (image 2)

CCTV! (recording)

Photo from the Smethwick Baths report (image 3)

Dance hall.

Photo from the Smethwick Baths report (image 4)Photo from the Smethwick Baths report (image 5)

Pool 1

Photo from the Smethwick Baths report (image 6)Photo from the Smethwick Baths report (image 7)Photo from the Smethwick Baths report (image 8)Photo from the Smethwick Baths report (image 9)

One from when it was open.

Photo from the Smethwick Baths report (image 10)

Gym.

Photo from the Smethwick Baths report (image 11)

Pool 2.

There was the changing rooms, a sauna and some other rooms, but nothing as interesting as the main bits.