Victoria Baths, Manchester:

William Anelay are delighted to be chosen as the principal Contractor to carry out the first phase of restoration works to the Victoria Baths in Manchester. The Baths caught the nation’s attention through being the first winners of the BBC’s Restoration Programme, which highlighted the plight of some of the country’s built heritage.

Initially, exploratory works were carried out to identify the finer details of the building’s construction and to carry out trials of the proposed repair methods.

Scaffolding will be erected to facilitate re-roofing works to the front block of this 100 year old building, which will involve some timber repairs prior to fixing the new slate and lead roof. The building’s clock tower requires repair work and the clock itself will be removed and taken away for specialist restoration.

The Bath’s traditional red brickwork and cream terracotta require some repairs and replacements, as do the external wall iron railings and gates. Internally, some structural floor repairs are required and some of the wall and ceilings tiles in the Turkish Baths need replacing.

The main entrance has a wonderful mosaic floor decorated with leaping fish and dolphins, which over the years has become cracked and damaged. These will now be repaired and restored to their former glory. There will also be extensive restoration of the building’s beautiful period stained glass windows.

Please follow the link below to read more about The Victoria Baths Trust whose members have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funding for the first phase of this property’s restoration.

www.victoriabaths.org.uk