Significant progress has been made at Jacobs Wells Baths over the summer months, as Phase 1 restoration works continue to transform this much-loved Grade II Listed building into a vibrant hub for community, creativity, and culture.
A major step forward this summer was the completion of extensive asbestos decontamination, made possible through funding from the Community Ownership Fund and match funders.
This vital work has opened up parts of the building never before accessible to the public – including The Pump Room, whose raw industrial character hints at exciting potential for future arts and cultural use.
Comprehensive condition surveys have also been completed in partnership with Mann Williams and PH3 Design, alongside ecological and specialist heritage assessments with input from an industrial heritage expert.
Mann Willimas commented:
"We are proud to be supporting the restoration project to save Jacobs Wells Baths, embracing its vision for a bold and ambitious future"
Repairs to the South Studio roof, supported by Historic England and other funders, mark the first visible transformation of the building’s fabric, with new glazing now installed.
Carrek Ltd has led specialist conservation works including roof and masonry repairs, and has now been appointed as lead contractor for the main hall roof restoration. Planned works will ensure the building becomes watertight, energy-efficient, and sustainable for the long term, with improvements to drainage, masonry, and rainwater systems.
Carrek Ltd commented:
“Jacobs Wells Baths, a Grade II listed Victorian landmark in Bristol, is undergoing a major restoration after years of vacancy. Thanks to funding from the Community Ownership Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and others, the site is being revived as a vibrant hub for arts, youth, and community activity via Trinity Community Arts.
Specialist conservation work has included: Re-roofing, Glazing, Masonry repairs and the restoration of historic features and original brickwork. Skilled craftsmanship is helping to preserve the building’s unique character for future generations.”
The many roofs of Jacobs Wells Baths – covering the South Studio, Main Studio (former swimming pool), and North Wing – are defining features of this “people’s palace.” Originally designed to flood the interiors with natural light, these structures now present a significant conservation challenge due to their scale and delicate construction.
“The roofs present a real challenge owing to their huge scale and the delicate nature of their construction. These works – which have already commenced with the restoration of the South Studio glazing thanks to support from Historic England is a huge step forward. The next phase will focus on the Main Studio roof – allowing light to once again fill the space and marking a major milestone in the restoration and repair of this historic Victorian bathhouse.
The extensive scaffolding required will be a remarkable sight in itself, wrapping the building so that work can continue whatever the weather.”
– Nicola Dyer, Project Manager
Further enabling works are underway, including the temporary removal of the sprung dance floor to reveal the historic pool basin and erection of a complex scaffolding system to support roof works. This is a big and complex project that could not happen without continued support from our funders and the community.
Whilst access into the building is still limited, alongside construction work, the project team has been busy building connections with the local community. Over the summer, family drop-in sessions at Brandon House and the first “I Danced in Jacobs Wells” reminiscence event brought together former dancers and residents to share memories of the building’s past. These stories will form part of a growing digital archive celebrating stories, heritage and people.
“The sessions brought people together as they went on. More and more attendees joined, and we all had a great time! The activities were planned well, and the organisers did an excellent job. The children enjoyed themselves, and I hope we can have more sessions like this in the future.”
– Fartun Noor, summer community activity participant
This November, the team will host further community consultation sessions, including creative workshops with Hotwells Primary, Willow Park Primary, and Cotham Secondary, led by heritage specialists Local Learning. These sessions will inform Phase 2 restoration and design plans, ensuring that youth and community voices help shape the building’s future.
Get Involved
Stay up to date with restoration progress, events, and opportunities to take part:
Join our mailing list or contact jude@trinitybristol.org.uk for information on upcoming community consultation sessions and community activities.
About Saving Jacobs Wells Baths
Trinity is on a mission to transform a Grade II listed Victorian bathhouse and former dance centre in Hotwells, Bristol - once at risk of being lost - into a vibrant multi-use community, arts and heritage hub.
In 2023, Trinity secured a 35-year lease on the building and launched a public campaign to restore and reopen the iconic heritage site as a multi-purpose community arts hub. Read more here.
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