The official opening ceremony of Stirchley Baths, a once-abandoned Edwardian building now beautifully restored as a modern community hub, was performed on Thursday 14 January 2016. It was an opportunity for those who worked on and funded the project to celebrate what has been achieved and to see the amazing transformation for themselves.
The official party ready for the formal opening
Brenda Thomas, whose campaigning for listed status led to the restoration of the building, cuts the ribbon
Brenda Thomas steps into the entrance hall after cutting the ribbon
Paul Jones was the last person to leave the building when it closed as a swimming baths: he was back today to take part in the re-opening
Admiring the new ceremonial key
The new ceremonial key, freshly hallmarked, states the values that the building represents
Deputy Council Leader Cllr Ian Ward thanks everyone who has worked on the project
Les Sparks of the Heritage Lottery Fund celebrates the transformation of the once-derelict building
Councillor Karen McCarthy introduced the speeches
Ex Cathedra (on stage) and Birmingham Opera Company, Arts Champions for Selly Oak, gave great performances
The balcony made a perfect stage for a performance by Ex Cathedra
Ex Cathedra after their performance
Byron Jackson of Birmingham Opera Company performed a song by Mussorgsky in dramatic fashion
Byron Jackson of Birmingham Opera Company involved the audience in his performance
Kerry designed the logo and branding for the restored building
Brenda Thomas, who cut the ribbon to open the building, with Councillor Tim Huxtable
Birgit Kehrer of Change Kitchen breaks off from a photoshoot to serve a guest
Healthy and tasty catering was provided by Change Kitchen, who run the café in the Baths
Members of Stirchley History Group ran an information stall and acted as tour guides
Volunteer guides showed guests round the building: tours included rare access to the balcony
The balcony is one of many original features that has been preserved and restored
The high glass roof lets in so much light to the building
When the sun came out the building and neighbouring Stirchley Park were looking their best