Manchester (Private) Swimming Bath 31 Blackfriars Road Salford

THE PROPOSED PRIVATE SWIMMING BATH FOR MANCHESTER.— A meeting of gentlemen interested the promotion of a scheme for providing a first class private swimming bath for Manchester and Salford was held at the Old Town Hall, in this city, yesterday, under the presidency of Captain R. D. Anstruther. There was a good attendance. The details of the scheme which appeared in Saturday's Courier, were fully explained by Mr. A. A. Gillies (secretary pro tem), and plans were submitted by Mr. Heathcote, architect, of this city. It may be mentioned, however, that the site for the proposed bath is in Blackfriars-street, contiguous to the Racquet and Tennis Courts, the price of the land being £1,500. It is estimated that the building can be erected and furnished for about £3,250, and it is suggested that a company be formed to raise £5,000 in order to carry out the scheme. [Manchester Courier 8 July 1884 page 5]

MANCHESTER SWIMMING CLUB – Twelve months ago a meeting was held at the Old Town hall to discuss a scheme for the erection of a private swimming bath in Manchester, and a limited company was formed to carry the scheme into effect. Sufficient capital having been subscribed to warrant the directors in proceeding, ground was purchased from the Salford Corporation and the necessary work was proceeded with. The building is now completed, and will be ready for use today (Wednesday) the site of the bath immediately adjoins the Tennis and Racquet Club, in Blackfriars Street, and is within 600 yards of the Exchange. The buildings cover some 430 square yards. The entrance is from Blackfriars Street, through a small vestibule, on one side of which is the attendants’ room, and on the other the members’ shoe-room. The swimming pond measures 60 feet by 30 feet, the depth of water at the two ends respectively being 7 feet and 3 feet 6 inches. A platform surrounds the pond. The dressing boxes are on one side only. A handsome gallery, which runs along the top of the dressing boxes, may also be used for undressing. A diving stage, trapeze and other gymnastic appliances have been provided. There are also shower and needle baths, lavatories etc.  The shoe-room for lady members is over the main entrance. The interior of the building is finished with buff and red bricks in bands, and with pitch-pine. The roof is what is known as an open one, and there is no plasterwork in the building. The exterior has been executed in terra cotta. The buildings are leased by the company to a club, the membership of which is strictly limited. A large number of members have already been enrolled, and there is every prospect of the list being speedily filled up. The bath on portions of certain days in each week is to be reserved for the use of lady members of the families of shareholders or ordinary members. The building has been erected from plans prepared by Mr Charles Heathcote of Princess Street, and the contractors are Messrs Robert Neill and Sons of this city [Manchester Guardian I July 1885 page 5]

Private swimming baths have been erected in Blackfriars Street, Manchester, and were opened on the 1st inst. The site of the bath immediately adjoins the Tennis and Racquet Club in Blackfriars Street and is within 600 yards of the Exchange. The buildings cover some 430 square yards. The entrance is from Blackfriars Street, through a small vestibule, on one side of which is the attendants' room, and on the other the members' shoe-room. The swimming pond measures 60 feet by 30 feet, the depth of water at the two ends respectively being 7 feet and 3 feet 6in. A platform surrounds the pond. The dressing- boxes are on one side only. A gallery, which runs along the top of the dressing-boxes, may also be used for undressing. A diving stage, trapeze, and other gymnastic appliances, have, of course, been provided. There are also shower and needle baths, lavatories, etc. The shoe-room for lady members is over the main entrance. The interior of the building is finished with buff and red bricks in bands, and with pitch pine. The roof is an open one, and there is no plaster work in the building. The exterior has been treated in terra cotta. Mr. Charles Heathcote, of Princess Street, is the architect, and the contractors are Messrs. Robert Neill and Sons. [British Architect 10 July 1885 page 23]

Notwithstanding the entry in Pevsner/Hartwell Lancashire: Manchester and the South East page 626, This building should not be confused with the municipal Blackfriars Baths of the Salford Corporation, opened in 1880, which stood some 200 yards further west at the junction with Richmond Street – now a landscaped area. Both baths are clearly indicated on the 1908 1:2500 map (www.old maps).

See also OMI architects for conversion into offices 2005

Reference    Manchester Courier 8 July 1884 page 5
Reference    Manchester Guardian 1 July 1885 page 5
Reference    British Architect 10 July 1885 page 23