Robin Hill Public Baths, Dunbar Street, Oldham

COUNTY BOROUGH OF OLDHAM. PUBLIC BATHS AT ROBIN HILL - The Markets and Baths Committee of the Oldham Corporation invite TENDERS for the whole of the works required in the ERECTION and COMPLETION of PUBLIC BATHS at Robin Hill, Oldham. Plans may be seen, and specification and bill of quantities obtained, on application to the architect, Mr. C. T. Taylor, A.R.I.B.A., 10, Clegg-street, Oldham, on payment of two guineas as a deposit, which will be returned on receipt of bona fide. tender. Sealed tenders endorsed "Public Baths, Robin Hill," and addressed to the Chairman of the Market and Baths Committee, to be delivered at the office of the undersigned, not later than15 January 1900. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted, and persons tendering must do so at their own risk. A. NICHOLSON, Town-clerk. Town Hall. Oldham, 29 December 1899.

NEW BATHS AT OLDHAM - The new baths, which have been erected the Oldham Corporation at Robin Hill, off Rochdale Road, were yesterday afternoon formally opened by Mr. J. Nadin, chairman of the Baths Committee. The building of very handsome appearance. The total cost is a little under £10,0000. The baths include 36 private or “slipper" baths, with separate entrances and corridors for females and males, and a fine swimming bath 7 feet long 27 feet wide, 6 feet 6 inches in depth, sloping to 3 feet 6 inches at the other end. The work has been carried out by Mr. Emanuel Whittaker, of Oldham, from the designs Mr. C. T. Taylor, Oldham. [Manchester Evening News Thursday 29 August 1901 page 5]
 
These premises are erected at the corner of Dunbar and Trafalgar streets, fronting the former, being set back from the street line, and having boundary walls and ornamental gates and railings in front. A separate entrance is arranged for each sex from Dunbar Street with ticket office between, and near the respective entrances are two waiting rooms, one for each sex. The swimming hall is 94 feet by 47 feet  6 inches, with swimming pond 75 feet by 27 feet, the depth being 6 feet 6 inches at one end and 3 feet 6 inches at the other, there being arranged round three sides 57 dressing boxes, the divisions to same being of polished marble. There are two wash baths, also showers provided. The sides of the pond are lined with white glazed bricks up to water line. From this point to underside of coping is an effective treatment of tiling in pale green and cream colour, the bottom of pond being tiled with white tiles relieved with bands of black. A balcony is carried round the four sides of the hall, with gentlemen=s private baths arranged down two sides, one side containing 13 first-class baths (including one vapour bath), the other 12 second-class baths. The ladies’ private baths are on the first floor over waiting rooms etc, there being four first class (including one vapour bath) and seven second class; also attendant’s store room. All first-class baths are provided with showers. The supply of hot and cold water to private baths is regulated by means of valves under the control of the attendant in corridors. A laundry, superintendent’s house, mechanic’s shop, store-rooms and spacious cellars are also provided. The whole of the work has been carried out from the designs and under the superintendence of Mr Charles T Taylor ARIBA, architect, 10 Clegg Street. Oldham. [Building News 6 December 1901 Page 763]

Reference    Manchester Courier - Saturday 6 January 1900 page 10 – contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 6 January 1900 Page* contracts
Reference    Manchester Evening News Thursday 29 August 1901 page 5
Reference    Building News 6 December 1901 Page 763