SOUTHPORT BRICKS
Victoria Baths 1839
My View
The Victoria Baths has so much potential if someone had the money to plough into the old place. It has a lovely shape to it and the location being right opposite the pier is fabulous.
It's only 50% operational at the moment and i don't hold out much hope of an investor anytime soon. Lets hope someone gives it a new lease of life before it becomes just another memory.
The Baths were built in 1839 but remodelled around 1870. The sandstone building represents the typical French Classical style of this era.
The building was designed by architects Horton & Bridgford of Manchester.
In addition to the Turkish baths, there were first and second class swimming pools, slipper baths, and showers, separate sets of each being provided for men and women. There was also a gymnasium for men.
The baths were originally built for the Southport Baths and Assembly Room Company Limited, but changed hands twice before being leased by Southport Corporation in 1910, and purchased by them in 1919.
The Turkish baths closed in 1978. The building is Grade II Listed and has been used since for a variety of purposes.
At present the left hand side of the building is now being used as a leisure club but the right hand side is currently vacant.
The Victoria Baths are probably one of the saddest sights for me since i came to Southport. It is a wonderful looking building and yet is being left to fall apart, well most of it is.
Maybe one day this fine old building will be brought back to life, at one time a big hotel was rumoured to be in the picture but that hasn't materialised.
