Martin Mullaney, Councillor for Moseley & Kings Heath, Birmingham

Update on progress on 'Public Safety Works' to Moseley Road Baths during Winter 2004/5 - 1st June 2005

Most of the programmed public safety works have now been completed. However, work is still progressing on three areas:
1) Repairs to the boiler house chimney,
2) replacing the severely corroded steel supports above the windows in pool 2 (in progress)
3) minor repairs to the two terracotta domes on the frontage.(in progress)

It is now estimated that pool 2 will re-open to the public on the 1st September 2005. Pool 1 will remain closed until the money can be found to replace the corroded steel supports above it's the windows and other associated elements

Main Boiler house Chimney

The chimney has now been dismantled brick-by-brick to about 10metres from the top. This is where the 'dew point' occurs - namely this is where water from the fumes condensates due to the temperature gradient inside the chimney.

A stainless steel liner will now be fitted inside the chimney and the chimney rebuilt. Edwardian porous lime mortar will be used.

The cast iron capping that fitted on top of the chimney has now been cleaned up and examined for cracks. The capping was constructed from eight cast iron segments bolted together. Four out of these eight segments have cracks. They will now be re-welded.

It has also been decided to stop using the chimney as a flue for the boilers - it was found that the temperature of the fumes would caused the stainless steel liner to expand excessively. An alternative flue arrangement will be constructed - listed building consent will be needed.

Pool 2 Gable Windows

The new terracotta bricks for pool 2 gable will be ready within the next two weeks.

The Perspex sheets that have been in these gable windows for several years, are to be replaced with glass. A 'bubble style' pattern similar to what was originally there will be used. The glass will as be laminated in case of any anti-social behaviour outside

Pool 2 Roof Space

steel supports above the window heads have now been replaced along the entire length of the pool on both sides

Two Terracotta Domes facing Moseley Road

Internal steel supports will be inserted within the next few weeks.

The cracked terracotta blocks within the domes are to strengthened used an injected resin glue. The blocks that have been moved by the corroding steel supports are to be re-pointed.

The boiler and filters

Servicing will take place of the boilers and filters to ensure that they are fully operational for 1st September.

Pool 2 filter will be emptied of sand and refilled with new Leighton Buzzard sand. The filters have been cleaned for 10 years, so they is 10 years worth of flaks of human skin amongst the sand.

Pool 2 filter dates from the 1920's and they are signs of severe corrosion on it, causing leaks. A replacement filter will be required in the coming years