Victoria Baths, Manchester:

William Anelay was delighted once again to be chosen as the principal contractor to carry out phase 1+ restoration works to the Victoria Baths in Manchester.

Phase 1 works were completed in summer 2008, however as the project came in under budget, there was additional funding to carry out works to the Gala Pool roofs.

The Gala Pool, originally designated for “Males - First Class” and gala events, is one of three baths at the venue. The Baths, winner of the 2003 BBC Restoration series has also appeared in a number of TV programmes including Casualty 1909, the Antiques Roadshow, Cracker, Prime Suspect and Life On Mars.

The project involved the internal construction of a vast birdcage scaffolding system and a complex temporary roofing structure above the pool. Hundreds of glass panels were removed and replaced and significant repairs carried out on the surrounding timbers, which were suffering with dry rot. Because the original materials had deteriorated beyond repair, new materials were introduced. The existing structure was stripped, materials separated and where possible sent away for recycling.

Phase 1 + works were completed July 2010.

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