Speedwell Baths - social housing for local people

Speedwell Baths were originally opened in 1937, and quickly became a beloved recreational spot for hundreds of Bristol City dwellers for more than 7 decades. Unfortunately, in 2005, Bristol City Council made the decision for the Baths to close. Subsequently, the site remained abandoned for several years until their demolition in 2019.

This paved the way for a new five-storey complex comprising 31 affordable homes, featuring a mixture of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments.

This signifies the successful conclusion of a vital revitalization initiative for the local community, bringing much-needed affordable housing to Bristol.

PARTNERSHIP

The architectural design for this development was entrusted to Angus Meek Architects, a Bristol based firm, who worked alongside Bristol City Council & property developer, Crossman Homes, to bring the project to fruition.

HAG Ltd was successfully awarded the contract & crucial responsibility of delivering security and fire protection door solutions throughout the five-story building, leveraging our expertise and track record.

THE PROJECT

Work on site began in 2019, starting with the dramatic demolition of the historic swimming pool and the building was eventually completed & handed over to Abri Housing Association in January 2022.

The front of the building is designed as an "art moderne" style but incorporating elements of art deco detailing from the original Baths, demonstrating that the development has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the area, reflecting the style & shape of the existing building in a contemporary way.

HAG Ltd. were delighted to have been chosen to work on such ground-breaking local development and were keen to assist in the design & installation of high-end security & fire protection products that could aesthetically compliment the design & style of the building.

Steel doorsets are versatile, can provide high levels of security, as well as fire protection tested to BS EN 1634, and offer excellent value for money. Bespoke options that were utilised on his project, were louvered doors, communal doors & insurance certified doors, which conform to LPS1175.

Louvered doors allow for bi-directional airflow, a medium level of security and can be fully customisable to meet your specification. This was key in this project, to allow ventilation to various secure plant rooms across the site and offer a bespoke colour option, so doors can blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

In a busy City complex of 31 apartments, secure yet robust communal entrance doors are a necessity to allow for a high level of pedestrian traffic throughout the day. Double glazing panels allow for through vision and locking systems can be adapted to include access control.

Our Fireguard Fire Resisting steel doors gave Speedwell Baths fire protection & high levels of security. Fire protection can be guarantee from 60 to 240 minutes and these doors are certified to BS EN 16034. HAG Ltd. hold the CERTIFIRE certification as well as being FIRAS installation certified – one of only a few installers in the UK to hold such a highly sought after accolade.

Sean Gill, management company manager at Abri, one of the largest housing providers in the south, said: “Our new development on the Speedwell Swimming Baths sites will provide further much-needed affordable housing in the city."