Roof Glazing Replacement at Victoria Baths, Manchester
Restoring a Grand Edwardian Masterpiece
Victoria Baths in Manchester, designed to be the grandest baths in Britain when they first opened their doors in 1906, stands as a Grade II–listed Edwardian gem. Despite decades of neglect that left it virtually derelict for over 30 years, the building retained much of its former grandeur.
A Historic Revival
In a remarkable moment, the pool at Victoria Baths was filled with 86,000 gallons of water for the first time in four years, marking a historic celebration of the baths receiving £3.4 million in funding from the BBC TV show Restoration. Thousands of viewers cast their votes to support the restoration of this beautiful building, and the work began almost immediately.
Preserving Heritage and Efficiency
As part of the meticulous restoration process, we undertook the installation of over 500m² of Heritage patent glazing, a solution that incorporated double glazed units to significantly enhance thermal efficiency. In addition to the preservation of energy, we also added a toughened Stippolyte outer pane, closely resembling the original Georgian wired cast glass from the building’s initial installation.
Result: A Testament to Restoration
The story of Victoria Baths in Manchester is a testament to the power of restoration and community support. The revival of this Grade II–listed Edwardian marvel, which once stood as the grandest baths in Britain, showcases a successful marriage of historic preservation and modern efficiency.
This case study underscores our commitment to preserving architectural heritage while improving the sustainability and functionality of historic structures. The revitalisation of Victoria Baths stands as a symbol of how restoration can breathe new life into treasures of the past, ensuring they continue to inspire and serve the community for generations to come.
Testimonial ~ Gary Shea, Construction Manager at William Anelay Ltd
“I am delighted to praise the exceptional expertise of Standard Patent Glazing in the Roof Glazing Replacement project at Victoria Baths, Manchester. This remarkable restoration of a Grade II–listed Edwardian masterpiece truly showcases their unparalleled dedication to preserving architectural heritage while enhancing sustainability and functionality.
Their installation of over 500m² of Heritage patent glazing was a crucial aspect of this meticulous restoration process. The revival of Victoria Baths is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of restoration and community support. It exemplifies the successful marriage of historic preservation and modern efficiency.
This project underlines Standard Patent Glazing’s remarkable ability to revitalise treasures of the past. I highly recommend their expertise to anyone embarking on similar projects.”
