Work to regenerate a former swimming baths in Birmingham to create a new business enterprise and community hub is expected to begin later this year.
The £4 million project will see the century-old former Erdington Baths restored and renovated to create a facility offering space and support to entrepreneurs and developing new and growing businesses in the area. It will also become a hub for the local community.
The first phase of the regeneration will see the main reception area and pool hall converted into a co-working space, studio pods and rooms for events and meetings. The roof will be restored and other essential repairs will be completed.
A second phase will add a restaurant or café, creche and smaller offices and, once fully occupied, the hub will create and support up to 80 local jobs.
Birmingham City Council, which owns the building in Mason Road, and West Midlands Combined Authority have set aside £2 million each for the work.
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A lease is being arranged with the Witton Lodge Community Association to run the new ‘Erdington Enterprise and Entrepreneur Hub', or E3 Hub.
Now the partners have renewed their agreement to progress the project, with a view to begin work on site this year. Erdington Baths closed in 2014 after a modern pool and leisure centre opened nearby since when the building has languished unused.
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West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "After laying empty and neglected for a decade, this investment will breathe new life into this historic building, re-establishing it as a community hub in the centre of Erdington.
"This will not only create new jobs and opportunities for local people but preserve this heritage building for future generations under the stewardship of the Witton Lodge Community Association.
"By putting the right partnerships and funding in place and, with the backing of a creative community, we can protect and restore many of our historic buildings.
"I look forward to seeing this important piece of local heritage being well used and much loved once again by the people of Erdington."
Afzal Hussain, chief officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, said: "We're delighted with this investment from the combined authority.
"Combined with the funding from the council, it will help us transform this much-loved but neglected building into a thriving community and enterprise hub in the heart of Erdington.
"With a dedicated facility and on-site support, we will be able to nurture local talent and unleash the potential of our budding entrepreneurs and social enterprises."