PlaceFirst secures £1.7m for Ashton Baths refurb

DEVELOPER PlaceFirst can start work on its renovation of Ashton-under-Lyne’s former municipal baths after securing a £1.7m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Manchester-based PlaceFirst bought the Henry Square site earlier this year from Ask Developments which had drawn up plans for a business hub and secured cash from Tameside Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

The baths were built in 1870 and used until the 1970s. The listed building is now on on English Heritage’s “at risk register”.

PlaceFirst wants to turn it into 6,500 sq ft of business space for creative and digital businesses which will be run by a charitable organisation made up of political and business leaders. It says profits will be reinvested into the operation of the building.

PlaceFirst managing director David Smith-Milne said: “The council has worked hard to secure this important funding which will help significantly with the viability of proposals to bring this important heritage building back into a sustainable use. We at PlaceFirst will continue to work with the council and other stakeholders on delivering those proposals.”

Sara Hilton, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “Ashton Old Baths is a fantastic example of 19th century architecture which has served and inspired generations of local residents. Its fascinating history is tightly interwoven with the social history and culture of Ashton and Tameside. We are delighted to add our support to a project which will not only ensure the building’s survival but will also inspire and make a significant contribution to the local economy for years to come.”