Brutalist landmark to be flattened despite no plans to redevelop the site
The government has signed off on plans to bulldoze the grade II-listed Coventry Central Baths despite the absence of any proposals to build anything new on the site.
Communities secretary Steve Reed has formally approved the demolition of the brutalist leisure complex, which was designed in 1956 by the council’s in-house architecture team and built between 1962 and 1966.
The council-owned site has stood empty since February 2020 with efforts by the local authority to find a new use for the building including as a food hall and conference space coming to nothing.
Seven interested bidders responding to a market engagement exercise in 2021 were deemed “unviable”, with the council, which has been spending around £400,000 a year to maintain the building, later opting for the wrecking ball to save money.
Current plans are likely to leave the city centre site as a large open space available for potential future redevelopment and possible meanwhile uses as an area for public events or pop-up markets.
But the Twentieth Century Society has described the decision to flatten the listed building as a wasted opportunity.
“Given the undoubted challenges presented by the current condition of the baths and there being no prospect of aquatic activities returning, the Society would have welcomed a pragmatic approach to retain the radical W-shaped roof structure – described at its opening as ‘like a great garden-pavilion roof afloat above glass walls’ – while creating a space for bold new uses beneath,” C20 said.
“What an opportunity missed to showcase a radical yet respectful reinvention of the city’s post-war heritage,” it added.
The building is notable for its huge arched concrete roof and glazed curtain walls. The adjoining Elephant sports building, built in 1977, is to be retained.
Coventry council has been approached for comment.
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