Name: Withington Baths and Leisure Centre Location: Manchester Current status: Open Date built: 1913 Architect: Henry Price Listed building status: Not listed Lead organisation: Love Withington Baths
Description
The only working Edwardian pool in Manchester, Withington Baths originally had two pools, wash baths and a manager’s flat. There is extensive floor and wall tiling, also internal and external stained glass. Much of the tiling was covered up over the years but has now been uncovered and restored. The original chimney and glass lantern roofs are intact.
Facilities
23m pool used for school swimming, swimming lessons and general swimming, fully equipped gym, sauna, two studios which host a wide range of classes and community activities and a co-working space, Withington Works based within what was the wardens flat.
Notable fact
Withington hosted the first ever mixed bathing in Manchester in 1914 when it was introduced on a trial basis “with great caution” according to accounts at the time!
Withington Baths remains open thanks to the determination of local residents whose campaign led to the formation of a charitable company – Love Withington Baths – to run the Baths when Manchester City Council closed it in 2015.
Current plans
Love Withington Baths now manage the building with a 30-year lease from Manchester City Council. The pool is operating very successfully and was well above target for the first few years, despite a new council leisure centre having opened less than a mile away.
The Edwardian pool has been restored to its former glory thanks to a £1 million investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
