Withington Public Baths: Burton Road Withington

As Manchester sought ever to expand the municipal boundaries, the district authorities tried to extract the maximum benefit from any amalgamation. When Withington joined Manchester in 1904 it had been agreed that the district should be provided with public baths within five years. The baths were thus the result more of political manoeuvring than any greatly perceived need in the locality  At the time the project was conceived, Withington still lay on the very outskirts of Manchester. From the proposed site in Burton Road open fields stretched out almost as far as the eye could see to Chorlton-cum Hardy on the distant horizon. In 1909 this had led to a certain amount of criticism of the Corporation. While monies were to be expended on new swimming baths in a sparsely  populated and relatively affluent district, it was argued, similar benefits were not being bestowed on ratepayers in the older parts of the city.

The baths were opened on 1 May 1913 by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Royse.Even in 1913, the class system still prevailed in the design of swimming pools with no hint or suggestion of mixed bathing. However, these baths were unusual in that they soon made no distinction between first‑ and second‑class bathing and, in 1914, became the first baths in Manchester where mixed bathing was permitted. A request had previosly been made that one pool be designated for the sole use of females, but the Baths Committee rejected this on the grounds that the number of male swimmers exceeded females by more than five to one. Instead, the first-class pool was to be given over to women and girls on one day a week.

The baths have been built in Burton Road from the designs of the City Architect (Mr Henry Price) and they form a handsome addition to the architecture of the neighbourhood. The materials used for the exterior are brick and terra-cotta, and they have been harmonised in a pleasing fashion. The interior walls are chiefly faced with tiles, light in colour. Originally the Baths Committee’s intention was to provide three swimming or plunge baths, but the Local Government Board insisted that for the present, at all events, the plans must be modified to include only two. Accordingly first-class and second-class swimming baths for men and boys have been constructed, though on certain days the first class baths will be set aside for women and girls only. The water area of the bath is 75 feet by 25 feet and at the deep end there is a gallery for gala purposes. Foot baths and shower baths are provided at the shallow end. The second-class bath is the same length as the first, but four feet narrower, and there are ample foot baths and shower baths for the use of school children. So situated that it can be entered from the first or second-class baths is a club-room, which on ladies day will be used as a toilet room. The number of wash-baths is twenty-eight, fourteen of each class. One feature of the plunge baths is new, and that instead of having to be excavated out of the ground, they have been constructed above ground level.  The building of course is provided with the usual offices for the staff, an engineer’s house and establishment laundry. The floors are of reinforced concrete, while the bottoms of the pools are composed of white interlocking tiles. The premises have cost £15,000, which includes £3000 for the engineering work. The builders are Messrs Burgess and Galt of Ardwick.  [Manchester City News 12 April 1913 Page 8]

Refurbished in 2003 to include a fitness centre.

MANCHESTER CORPORATION - TO CONTRACTORS - Tenders are invited for ERECTION OF BATHS at Burton Road, Withington. Drawings may be seen and specifications and bills of quantities obtained on and after Wednesday, February 1 at the office of the City Architect, Town Hall, upon payment of three guineas, which sum will be returned will be returned on receipt of a bona fide tender. Town Hall, Manchester 27 January 1911. [Manchester Guardian 28 January 1911 page 1]

Reference    Building News 4 March 1910 Page 323
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 8 October 1910 Page 1
Reference    Manchester City News 12 April 1913 Page 8 including photograph
Reference    Manchester City News 3 May 1913 (opening ceremony)
Reference    Manchester Guardian 2 May 1913 Page 5 Column 5
Reference    Manchester Evening Chronicle 7 April 1909 Page 2 with illustration