Harpurhey Baths
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Harpurhey Swimming Baths date back to the early 1900s. When public bathing became popular in England.
The twin pool building, one male pool and one female pool is now a Grade II listed building. Although currently sits in a very sad state of disrepair and decay, rotting from the inside out.
Surprisingly certain features have with stood the test of time. The original wooden changing rooms and Victorian looking tile work that runs through out the main sections of the building, are actually in quite good condition.
The baths finaly closed down in 2001. No doubt there dated interior and facilities helped contribute to there demise. Compared to their much newer adversaries in the centre of Manchester.
Saying that though, the building is relativley attractive inside and does have a very Victorian feel to it. Even though its not Victorian. Its one of them buildings you would rather come to admire than use for its facilities.
The other thing you notice is how small the baths are compared to more modern swimming pools and leisure centres. Being built almost a century ago though its not a surprise.
Since seeing reports of this place dating back to 2007. It was one of them places that was worth seeing but not worth going out of the way for. After all a swimming pool is a swimming pool and despite how old they are there all basically the same.
Harpurhey is no exception to that fact either. Built for functional uses rather than architectural merits. Swimming pools despite there age are generally all of the same basic design.
Harpurheys only real difference is its period layout and interior design. Which although quaint isnt anything special.
Its a bit of a strange one to be honest. On one hand its an enjoyable relaxed explore with some nice preiod features still intact. And on the other hand its a swimming pool! Dull. Empty and relativley boring.
Saying that though its a building you either love or hate! Personally I wasnt that keen on it. Im not a great fan of swimming baths or indeed Victorian architecture unless it happens to be an Asylum.
Adding to my dislike of the place is the size. Ive never been a fan of small explores and this happens to be one of them. I think the only thing that kept my limited interest in the place was its tile work.
