Building Name

Osborne Street Baths

Date
1882
Street
Osborne Street
District/Town
Manchester
County/Country
GMCA, England
Architect
Client
Manchester Corporation
Work
New build
Status
Demolished
Contractor
James Herd

The memorial stone of new public baths in Manchester has just been laid. The new structure, which is situate in the midst of a densely-populated district, is bounded on one side by Victor-street, and covers an area of 1,855 square yards. The men's second-class bath will, it is said, be the largest of its kind in England. On the first floor there will be nineteen first-class and forty-one second-class private baths for men, and four first-class and thirteen second-class private baths for women. The building will be in the Gothic style of architecture, the materials used being stock bricks relieved with stone dressings. The drawings have been prepared in the city surveyor's department, under the direction of Mr. Allison. The contractor is Mr. Herd. The estimated cost of land and buildings is £25,000. [British Architect 28 April 1882 page 203]

NEW PUBLIC BATHS IN MANCHESTER - The memorial stone was laid yesterday of the public baths which are being erected by the Manchester Corporation in Osborne Street Rochdale Road. The site covers an area of 1,855 square yards; the baths as designed are said to be the largest in the country, the first-class swimming bath measuring 100 feet by 25 feet; the second-class baths 117 feet 6 inches by 28 feet 6 inches, and the women's swimming bath 56 feet by 22 feet 9 inches. On the first floor-there will be 19 men's first and 41 second class private baths, and four women's first and 13 second class private baths whilst immediately over the principal entrances and pay offices are arranged rooms for the committee and for the superintendent. In the basement provision is made for the boilers und economisers, heating apparatus, etc. The drawings have been prepared in the City Surveyor's department, under the direction of Mr. J, Allison and show that the buildings, which to be in Gothic style of architecture, are to be of brick, relieved with stone dressings. Mr. James Herd is the contractor. The estimated cost, including land is £25,000. These baths will form the fourth building of the kind owned by Corporation, the others being in Leaf Street, Mayfield, and New Islington. [Manchester Guardian 21 Apr 21, 1882 page 7]

OSBORNE-STREET BATHS—These baths erected by the Corporation of Manchester, are to be opened tomorrow afternoon. by the Mayor. They are situated in Osborne-street and Victor-street, Oldham Road. The land (1.855 square yards) and buildings purchased for the site cost £4,100, and the cost of erection, has amounted to close upon £20,000. The buildings are in the Gothic style of architecture, and are of red stock bricks, relieved with stone dressings. All the entrances are in Osborne-street. On the ground floor there are the men's first class bath which measures 100 feet by 25 feet; the men's second-class bath, 117 feet 6 inches by 28 feet 6 inches; the women's bath. 56ft. by 22 feet 9 inches; and a private wash house and laundry. It stated that the second-class swimming bath is the longest covered bath in England. On the first floor, immediately over the pay offices and entrances, are a committee room and a suite of rooms for the superintendent; and right over the swimming baths there, are provided 60 private baths for men; and 17 private baths for women. The drawings for the baths were prepared by the City Surveyor, and the contractor was  Mr James Herd, of Ardwick. Mr Samuel Taylor acted as clerk of works up to his death, which occurred last week. [The Guardian 13 June 1883 page 5]

Osborne Street Rochdale Road Manchester opened 11th July 1883?

Reference    British Architect 28 April 1882 page 203
Reference    Manchester Guardian 21 Apr 21, 1882 page 7 foundation stone
Reference    British Architect 22 September 1882
Reference    Manchester Guardian 13 June 1883 page 5