Bristol City Council has earmarked seven sites across the city it wants to sell on the open market. The list includes the Grade II-listed Jacob’s Wells baths and former public toilets in Shirehampton.
The sales, the council estimates, could raise the public authority £850,000 and contribute to the targeted savings required by the end of 2023/24.
The sites were chosen following a review of the council’s operational estate which looked at the assets that are no longer required. The proposal is to go before next Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting where councillors will make a decision.
Here are the 7 sites:
1.
Four of the seven sites on a list of locations up for disposal - see the sites below
2. Jacob’s Wells Baths
The Grade II-listed baths opened in 1889 before closing in 1977 and being converted into a dance centre in 1981. There were plans by leisure copmany Fusion Lifestyle to restore the swimming pool - but these were pulled in December due to delays caused by the pandemic and energy crisis. With the council unable to continue the costs of looking after the building, it is set to go up for auction. The proposed sale, however, would not stop ongoing talks with two organisations - Trinity Arts Centre and Bristol Historic Buildings - about taking on the site in a ‘Community Asset Transfer’. That process ends this month.
3. Ujima House, St Pauls
At the heart of St Pauls, Ukima House is a two-storey building offering space for functions, training and events. However, the long-term lease of the site from the council to CEED has been restrictive for upkeep and management of the site. As a result, the council is looking to either sell the site to CEED or put it on the open market.
4. Shirehampton closed public toilet block
The toilet block at a corner in Station Road was closed along with 17 others by Bristol City Council in 2018. The council says it is in poor condition and ‘subject to vandalism’.