Our Heritage
Discover its story.
The story of Ashton Old Baths begins in Victorian England, where calls for better sanitation led to the construction of a vast swimming baths, opened officially in 1870. The incredible structure wasn’t just a place to bathe – in fact, by 1975 when the Baths eventually closed, the building had been reinvented as an orchestra venue, a restaurant, and even an indoor tennis court.
We believe in the power of reinvention
Standing empty for over 40 years, Tameside MBC and Oxford Innovation stepped in with a new vision for the remarkable space. In 2014, work began to transform the iconic landmark into a vibrant and thriving digital hub with workspace for businesses in the surrounding Greater Manchester area. With an impressive new timber structure built at the heart of the building’s original walls, we continued the Baths’ history of reinvention, innovation and creativity. This is the Ashton Old Baths we know today.
The History
1843
A report on sanitation calls for public baths to be built in Ashton.
1868
Land for the baths to be built upon is donated by Lord Stamford
1870
The Baths were officially opened, designed by architects Paull & Robinson
1871
The Baths' first swimming gala took place
1876
The Baths were used as an orchestra venue with space for 5,200 people
1878
The Ashton Tennis Club used the Baths as an indoor winter tennis court
1900
Electric lighting was installed across the entire building
1915
A water filtration system was added to clean the pool's 120,000 gallons of water
1941
The smallest swimming pool in the Baths is replaced by a restaurant
1975
The Baths were officially closed and left empty for over 40 years
2013
Tameside Council propose using the building as a business innovation centre
2014 - 2015
Work begins to tranform the Baths into a digital and creative hub
2016
Ashton Old Baths opened as a fully restored and reinvented space
NOT YOUR AVERAGE SPACE
The entire building has been renovated throughout, with the external walls restored to make it completely air and water tight, and structural works to reinforce and enhance its original features. The newly-constructed core of the building houses a diverse range of office, meeting and conference space, and the Baths’ stunning arches have been transformed into stylish meet-up spaces.
“Throughout the design process, the Council was committed to protecting and enhancing the heritage of the building. The facility provides a unique offer to growing businesses who want to work in a thriving environment whilst having access to the best in digital connectivity”
Ian Saxon
Director of Place, Tameside Council