Public Baths, Ashton-under-Lyne

Designed in 1870-71 by Paull & Robinson, this large Italianate and densely patterned red and white brick building is a local landmark as well as one of the most significant examples of its type. Inside, it retains it galleries and hammerbeam roof.

Local and national campaign groups have been calling for the building to be saved for many years, but so far nothing tangible has been done. As the pool has been filled with concrete, there is no possibility of the baths ever reopening in their original use, but it is hard to see what other use would be both viable and acceptable in this impressive building.

Standing darkly against the skyline, it is a salutary reminder of the difficulty of finding new uses for historic swimming baths once they are allowed to close.