COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Celebrating and preserving Erdington’s cultural and community assets

Witton Lodge Community Association Chief Officer Afzal Hussain outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association

Erdington Baths, a cherished community landmark, proudly marks its 100 year anniversary this month. This historic site has been a cornerstone of local sports, recreational, and social life for generations.

Many of you will know about Witton Lodge Community Association’s ambitious plans to refurbish and repurpose the facility as a Community & Enterprise facility, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for future generations.

Since its closure, the building has deteriorated significantly and the first phase will involve undertaking essential repairs, repairing the roof, and ensuring the building’s structural integrity. This will be followed by transforming the main reception area and pool hall into co-working spaces, studio pods, events, and meeting rooms.

Earlier this month we were able to undertake strip-out works to enable further detailed structural surveys to be undertaken.

This builds on the creation of the pocket park which has improved the external frontage of the building, and we remain hopeful that we will be able to appoint a main contractor later in the year to commence the substantive works.

For those of you that venture to Witton Lakes, you will notice that the Makers Yard in the grounds of the Eco Hub is nearing completion, and residents will shortly be able to participate in range of new activities, including carpentry and horticulture taster courses.

Additionally, we have initiated improvements to the car park at Witton Lakes, to enhance accessibility and the visitor experience.

Against a tough backdrop, we remain committed to investing locally, celebrating all that is great about our area, and demonstrating the #PowerOfCommunity.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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