Grassroots campaign seeks to turn closed Batley Baths into ‘fully inclusive community hub’

After council cuts led to the closure of Batley Baths in West Yorkshire, a charity has been bringing people together locally to turn the facility into a “fully inclusive community hub”.

Conservative governments significantly cut council budgets after coming to power in 2010. And numerous Labour councils have faced increasing local discontent for failing to embrace alternatives to widespread cuts. Kirklees Council was one such council, choosing to target Batley Baths and other community resources rather than seeking other solutions.

And that’s where community organisers have come in.

Batley Baths “is part of our history and identity”

The Downs and Special Friends (DNSF) charity wants to reopen Batley Baths, and has united with local people to develop a community takeover plan for the facility. DNSF trustee Akhtar Kasia told the Canary:

we have been leading the work to bring it back to life. Not just as a pool, but as a fully inclusive community hub. We have already commissioned surveys, raised pledges, and built strong local partnerships. The support from families, schools, businesses and volunteers has been incredible.

He added:

Batley Baths is more than a building. It is part of our history and identity. Generations have learnt to swim here, including many of our members with additional needs. When it closed, the impact was felt across the community.

But he clarified:

This is not about looking back. It is about creating something for the future. A space that is safe, active and welcoming to everyone, especially those who are often excluded from mainstream services.

Via surveys and meetings, it’s clear for Kasia that there is “overwhelming public support” for the plan for Batley Baths. And it’s a professional one too, having already organised site visits and quotes from tradespeople architects, designed “a full activity programme to benefit schools, families, and disabled people“, and brought a business plan to its final stages.

Kasia said the Batley Baths campaign will submit its complete business plan to the council in the coming weeks, though confirming initial funding – via donations or interest-free loans – is a key remaining barrier.

You can find out how to support the campaign here.

Featured image via the Canary and additional images supplied