Coventry swimming baths demolition approved by government

Coventry’s disused swimming baths on Fairfax Street will be demolished after government approval, ending a protracted debate over the Grade II-listed site. The pool, closed since February 2020 to cut costs, sits adjacent to The Elephant leisure centre, which will be retained. Secretary of State Steve Reed granted permission to demolish the pool section, contingent on archaeological investigations and bat surveys, to be completed within three years. Local groups, including the Twentieth Century Society and Coventry Society, argued the demolition was unjustified and urged an alternative reuse plan. Public costs and responses accompany the decision, with BBC Local Democracy Reporting noting roughly £2.3 million spent since closure and 2025 petitions advocating modernization of The Elephant site.