Locals to take a splash in Victoria Baths

Victoria Baths

Victoria Baths in Manchester is hosting a heritage swim event that will give locals the chance to enjoy the first public swim in the Grade II-listed building in almost 25 years.

The event, that will take place for one day only on Sunday, May 14, has been organised as a fundraising event for the Baths, which in addition to its open days across the summer, has a range of activities taking place in the coming months to both raise funds and increase awareness of the building as it continues to make its journey towards restoration.

The building, in Chorlton-on-Medlock near Longsight, was designed as a prestigious baths complex by Manchester’s first City Architect, Henry Price, and opened by Manchester Corporation in 1906.  The Baths was closed in 1993 and local people have been working to save it for public use ever since.

The Victoria Baths Trust is currently working on plans for the restoration of the Turkish Baths and plans have been drawn up, public consultation has taken place and a programme of fundraising is underway which will include a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Gill Wright, project development manager for Victoria Baths, said: “Lots of people enjoy visiting Victoria Baths, but it is a very rare opportunity for members of the public to be able to swim here.  We are hoping to create an experience that enables people to relive the Baths in its heyday, and to demonstrate what a wonderful and unique swimming experience it offers.

“Theatrical performances, artistic installations and the occasion of our 110th birthday have seen the pool filled in recent years, but this is the first time since March 1993 that we’ve had a public swimming event. Looking to the future, our vision is for a time when the pool is fully in use, and we want to give people a taste of how special that will be.”

“We would suggest that swimmers approach the session as they would an outdoor swim; being prepared for a cooler temperature, but also a very unforgettable experience. We are really excited at being able to provide this offer.”

Swimmers will be able to use the original changing cubicles, which bring a sense of authenticity, but there are no showering facilities or lockers.

The water will be heated, but the building isn’t, so swimmers need to come prepared to wrap up warmly after their swim. The Tea Room will also be selling hot drinks for visitors. However, swimmers will need to be the minimum age of eight.

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