Swimming Pool Scene HISTORIC POOLS
the building’s architect Henry Price. Gill Wright of Historic Pools of Britain comments: “This is a critical milestone for Victoria Baths. We have been putting forward the case for years that our Turkish Baths will be a popular facility for Manchester, and that it will operate successfully from a financial point of view.”
GOOD FORTUNE
Edinburgh Leisure is another commercial operator that is flying the flag for historic pools. The company, which manages 31 sport and leisure venues on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, is fortunate enough to have five fully-functional historic Victorian pools in its portfolio, including Leith Victoria, Portobello, Glenogle, Dalry and Warrender Swim Centres. “Many of the UK’s heritage baths are in a sad state,” comments Shelagh Jackson, Aquatics Manager at Edinburgh Leisure. “At Edinburgh we will continue to keep up with trends and public requirements and will look to reinvestment.” With a 25 yard pool, sauna and a recently refurbished 20 station gym, Warrender Swim Centre is a popular Victorian swim centre in the heart of Bruntsfield and Marchmont. This historic venue retains many of its original features, including the original steam room’s roof in the gym.
Notable for its Victorian architecture with bright interiors and its old-fashioned poolside changing facilities, the baths were built in 1887 and enjoy category “B” listed building conservation status. Periodically suffering further closure threats, they were refurbished in 2005 and are now secure, being run by Edinburgh Leisure.
MODERN TWIST “Many of the city’s Victorian swimming pools were part of a much wider scheme to build public baths to promote cleanliness and hygiene amongst the working classes, who did not have routine access at the time to sanitation,” explains Shelagh. “Whilst we have succeeded in keeping the character of the
Baths, we have added modern twists to them so whilst they have kept their charm, they are able to meet the demands of a modern leisure customer, which includes modern heating, upgraded changing facilities and meets the environment’s demands where energy recovery is essential.” Going forward, Historic Pools of Britain are keen to celebrate this slice of the nation’s heritage and secure its long-term future, and are calling for historic pools and associated organisations to get involved.
Gill Wright concludes: “Through events and networking generally we want to share advice, experience, best practice and insight. Our members come from the private and public sector as well as the community and not-for profit sector. We have plenty to learn from each other.” n
50 Swimming Pool Scene HISTORIC POOLS
ABOVE: Fusion Lifestyle in collaboration with Historic Pools of Britain has announced plans for the next phase of its ongoing restoration of Victoria Baths in Manchester.
COMPANY CONTACTS
AMATEUR SWIMMING ASSOCIATION Tel. 01509 618700
www.swimming.org/asa
AQUA PLATINUM PROJECTS Tel. 01489 896438
www.aquaplatinumprojects.co.uk
EDINBURGH LEISURE Tel. 0131 458 2100
www.edinburghleisure.co.uk
FUSION LIFESTYLE Tel. 0207 7407544
www.fusion-lifestyle.com
HISTORIC POOLS OF BRITAIN Tel. 0161 832 3588
www.historicpools.org.uk
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