Action needed to save this rare survival of a handsome early public baths designed by one of Manchester’s best 19th century architects
Grade II-listed, 1855, Thomas Worthington
This public bathhouse on Collier Street in Salford is an early surviving example of a purpose-built leisure facility, designed by one of Manchester’s best-known Victorian architects, Thomas Worthington, in 1855. The building ceased to function as a swimming pool in the late nineteenth century and was subsequently adapted for use as a warehouse, and it largely remained in commercial use until the 1990s, when it ultimately fell out of use. Since then, its deterioration has been dramatic, and despite the council recently submitting plans for a ‘pocket park’ outside the Baths, and a tree-lined avenue connecting it to Greengate Square, there have been no concrete plans for its repair, restoration, and adaptive reuse. In a recent strategy document published by the council, there is a suggestion that the use of compulsory purchase powers may be justified for specific prioritised development. The Victorian Society consider this important building to be a prime candidate.
Status Update / March 2026
In 2024, a planning application was submitted to the local council to carry out urgent repair works and bring the building back to a lettable state. At the same time, a number of sustainable uses were explored, including a food hall, with an alternative proposal seeing the building returned to use as a public bath house. Since the bathhouse is currently owned by Renaker, the developers of the wider Colliers Yard scheme, there are also positive indications, reinforced by marketing literature on the company’s website, that it will be incorporated into their masterplan for high-rise residential development in the area. It could potentially be used as a fitness centre or a co-working space.