To restore & renovate the room which originally housed the female baths to create a modern and holistic space for fitness and community use.
To innovatively restore and renovate the room which originally housed the female baths to create a modern and holistic space for fitness and community use.
We aim to transform the lost Bathhouse from a tired, soulless room into a character filled, redesigned, multi functional space, to be used by our members and the wider community for fitness classes, a wide range of events and children’s holiday camps.
Energy efficient underfloor heating will replace the current inefficient, and ugly, wall mounted radiators. Specialist removal techniques will carefully peel away the modern paint from the beautiful historic tiling on the studio walls, bespoke luxury floor tiling will ensure a stylish look to the room and provide real comfort underfoot for fitness classes and new studio mirrors will be fitted to bounce light aroung the new space.
But, this is not all. Whilst we want our members to enjoy 21st century facilities, we are also passionate about revealing and preserving long covered up heritage features, and so the second phase of our project will be to remove the false studio ceiling’s white polystyrene tile, open up the stunning vaulted ceilings, repaint the dark brown varnished cladding and add new LED lighting and chandeliers, suitable for a room of Edwardian historic stature.
Finally, we will convert an unused storage room into a suite for physiotherapy and other treatments so we can get you back in the gym as soon as possible!
OUR STORY…
In January 2013, an announcement by Manchester City Council was made to the M20 community of South Manchester that the much loved and much used Withington Baths and Leisure Centre was to be closed with immediate effect, as they could no longer afford to run it. Over 1200 members, many of whom walk to the centre, the elderly, students, families on low incomes and others, had no alternative sports facility usage. The building has been an integral part of the Withington community for over 100 years, essential for the heath and well being of local people.
The community galvanised and joined together in non-political, family-friendly protests and held a march through the streets, signing a petition to Save The Baths and gathering an unprecedented 8000 signatures in just two weeks. We presented this to Sir Richard Leese, City Council Leader, on Valentine’s Day 2013.
Just over two years later, in June 2015, after much, much hard work and organisation, our community group was handed the keys to the building and Love Withington Baths was born. From a starting point of no members and little else other than vast amounts of enthusiasm, belief and dedication, we hit the ground running.
As we approach our first anniversary, with over 1600 members, a redesigned gym with brand new equipment, an amazing range of fitness classes for both adults and children, over-subscribed swimming lessons and even a few community events under our belt, we’re now ready to take on our next huge challenge – The Bathhouse Project.
And this is where you, our amazing supporters and friends, can choose once again to be a part of our journey and pledge to help us reach our target.
With your support, by September 2016, we aim to offer our community the fully restored studio that so far, we’ve only been able to dream about. Can YOU help us make that dream a reality?Can you help us to ensure that we really LOVE Withington Baths?
SO, HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Lovely Words From Our Supporters & Friends:
“Special, special place – well done to everyone for saving it!” Steve, LWB Member
“I love Withington Baths because I like to swim in the historic pool. Everyone is so friendly and I meet many local people there who have been coming for years. It is very much a community baths and I embrace this.” Amanda, LWB Member
“Friendly staff, heritage treasure and our kids love it!” Gavin, LWB Member
“It was great to talk with the passionate people who have made the historic baths such a success against the odds!” Withington Fire Service
“Visited today to check the revamped areas and as an ex-membership holder (years ago), I have to say you guys have done a great job on all areas and all looks welcoming. Well done!” Isabel Mourato
“All our kids are learning to swim here at Withington Baths. So glad it has stayed open. Love having this on our doorstep within 5 Minutes walk of where we live.” Gavin White
“Big thank you to the staff for making Lydia’s Birthday Pool Party so much fun!” Mark Hewerdine
“It was fantastic to take my kids to the baths that I learnt to swim in, today. Shaun’s party was fantastic – loads of fun, really well organised and friendly staff. Thanks very much.” Catherine Haughey
“Community of the Week: This week we’re honouring the amazing efforts of Love Withington Baths in Manchester. They successfully campaigned to save the historic Withington Baths from and it is now run by and for the community.” My Community Rights
“You’ve been an inspiration!” Selina Hope, Haslingen Pool
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