GALLERY: Campaigners launch further funding bid for restoration of iconic Byrne Avenue baths

The 1930s Grade-II listed building - a focal point of the community for 86 years - had been at the centre of controversy since 2009 when a notice was nailed to the door saying it had closed down in its 75th anniversary year.

In April 2015, the council considered a move that would have seen the building lose its protected status and potentially bulldozed to sell-off the land for redevelopment.

But, after public opposition and a high-profile campaign, it was agreed to lease the building to Byrne Avenue Trust for 99 years, with phased funding of £350,000 from the local authority's community fund.

The Trust has now taken over the lease of this much-loved building (pictured, above), with the aim of restoring it as a thriving community space and sports centre, while preserving the history and heritage of the baths.

Sadly, the building has fallen into a poor state of repair so the full restoration will take several years to complete.

So the trust launched a Crowdfunding campaign called Let's Get This Party Started was launched, to start the process of raising the money needed to restore the building and has reached its target.

They have now submitted a bid for funding from Aviva Community Fund and need Globe readers to vote for the project.

Urging the public to vote Jane Richards, project manager for Byrne Avenue Trust told the Globe today: "It's a great scheme with four different categories and three different funding levels.

"Byrne Avenue Trust is in the Community Support category with a chance to have up to £25,000.

"Each person gets 10 votes, so if there is more than one cause they are passionate about they can split their votes. The ones who get the most votes go through to the final selection panel.

"Obviously we would like as much publicity for Byrne Ave as we can get, but its a great scheme to make Merseyside people aware of in general.

"The support from the community has been fantastic.

"We reached our target with the Crowdfunding campaign, which will help us to get the building watertight so that the restoration work can begin.

"We also had a great turn out for our first volunteer activity and are expecting an even bigger turn out this Saturday when we run the second one, a Grounds Clearance session.

"We'd like to thank everyone for that support."

The Trust's chair Ben Harrison is also inviting the public to help in the restoration.

Mr Harrison told the Globe recently "Like many people on Wirral, I love this building.

"It was an integral part of our lives and many of us have enormously fond memories of time spent there.

"Now we have a chance for it to become the heart of Rock Ferry as it was for generations but Byrne Avenue Baths needs your help.

"There are so many ways in which you can contribute to this incredible project.

"We are looking for people who can volunteer their time and their skills, or companies who can donate products and services.

"Are you a plumber? An electrician? A tree surgeon? Can you help in the garden, or lift and carry?

"If so please do get in touch as we need you as part of the restoration!

"Imagine seeing this incredible building in years to come and thinking 'I helped do that'."

There are so many ways that everybody can contribute to this incredible project - through fundraising and events, by becoming an ambassador for this iconic building, or by volunteering in areas that fit with their particular skills and passions.

To offer your help or support, contact the trust by emailing hello@byrneavenuebaths.org or via Facebook, Byrne Avenue Trust, or drop a note in at the baths.

For further details and to support the campaign go to: https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/17-3205

To keep up with the restoration’s progress and to find out about planned events and activities you can follow Byrne Avenue Baths on Facebook or @ByrneAve on Twitter.