Ashton Old Baths Manchester

Ashton Old Baths was built in the 1870s by the Victorians, but closed during the 1970s and remained derelict and on the English Heritage ‘At Risk’ register for the next 40 years.

This Grade II* listed building is  one of the finest example of a former municipal public swimming baths. MCAU’s design has brought the building back into use as a new digital and media hub for creative tech business start-ups. Owned by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council the retrofit was supported by grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

The highlight of the innovative design solution for the building intervention and driver of change is the 10,000sqft flexible office and co-working space in the form of an independent free-standing structure within the pool hall. This is complemented by break out communal space and a rooftop events terrace.

The character and fabric of the building has been retained and enhanced, and demand for floorspace oversubscribed. Phase 2 involves the conversion of the old turkish baths and public laundry annex of the building, providing more co-working office space and the inclusion of a data centre and an innovative energy efficient heating and cooling strategy for the entire building.