Distinguished building in the process of steady decay
Grade II*-listed, 1898, W.H. Bidlake
This is an area of Birmingham where a remarkable number of distinguished Victorian and Edwardian buildings still survive, but like the Moseley Road Baths opposite the School of Art is crying out for investment and care. The school was built in the ‘Wrenaissance’ style to the designs of the exceptional Birmingham Arts and Crafts architect, W.H.Bidlake. It closed down in 1975 and the building now belongs to the British Association of Muslims. Its condition is steadily deteriorating and is a cause of great concern for local heritage campaigners. Action needs to be taken soon to ensure that this attractive and important building has a future.
Status Update / March 2026
Shortly after appearing on our list, in 2015, a National Lottery grant was obtained to help produce a strategy for the building’s sustainable reuse. In 2018, a full National Lottery grant enabled its complete restoration and adaptive reuse as the new Moseley Community Hub, which incorporates co-working spaces, a conference centre, and flexible gallery and exhibition spaces, adapted to show artworks and artefacts that are accessible to all members of the community. Every effort was made to conserve its significant Bidlake fabric and to repair or re-interpret deteriorating features including the original entrance hall, the ceramic tiles, and the imposing Moseley Road façade.