Roof Glazing Replacement at Withington Baths, Manchester
Project Overview
Withington Baths, a historic swimming pool and leisure centre located in South Manchester, underwent a remarkable transformation, reopening its doors to the public, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Love Withington Baths Group. Originally constructed in 1913, this cherished community landmark faced the threat of closure for two years, but a spirited campaign by the Love Withington Baths Group ultimately prevailed.
Restoration Funding and Commencement
To breathe new life into this iconic facility, the National Lottery Heritage Fund allocated a substantial one-million-pound investment, propelling the restoration process into action. The restoration journey officially commenced in January 2022, ushering in a renewed era for Withington Baths.
Revitalising the Iconic Roof
One of the most prominent and striking aspects of the renovation was the complete overhaul of the swimming pool’s distinguished roof. This magnificent roof, renowned for its ability to provide swimmers with unobstructed views of the sky above while flooding the pool hall with natural light, had retained its original Victoria lead-covered steel glazing system. However, this time, it was enhanced with modern thermal double glazed units with solar control mechanisms, and laminated safety glass.
Balancing Tradition and Modernisation
This reimagined Heritage glazing system was not only designed to preserve the historical charm of the structure but also to ensure sustainability, reduce solar heat gain, and comply with stringent safety regulations, all while staying true to the principles of conservation.
Logistical Challenges and Innovative Solutions
The successful execution of this project hinged on meticulous logistics, as the construction site faced significant space constraints. To overcome these challenges, a “just in time” delivery approach was seamlessly integrated into the project’s execution, allowing for the timely and efficient supply of 300m² of glazing materials and components.
Anti-Theft Measures
Additionally, the project team addressed concerns related to the potential theft of the lead weather flashing during and after installation. To safeguard this valuable component and provide peace of mind to the client, an anti-theft solution was devised to secure the perimeter lead sheet weathering flashings.
Result: Conservation and Innovation
The restoration of Withington Baths stands as a testament to the community’s determination to preserve its heritage while embracing modern advancements in sustainability, safety, and efficiency. The result is a beautifully renovated facility that not only pays homage to its storied past but also serves as a shining example of adaptive and thoughtful restoration.
Testimonial ~ Daniel Armitage, Managing Director of Armitage Construction
‘’I want to express my gratitude and admiration for the exceptional work carried out by Standard Patent Glazing in the Roof Glazing Replacement project at Withington Baths, Manchester. Their dedication to conserving heritage while embracing modern innovations was truly remarkable.
The restoration of Withington Baths is a testament to the community’s determination to preserve its heritage while embracing modern advancements in sustainability, safety, and efficiency. Standard Patent Glazing’s contributions were invaluable in achieving this remarkable transformation. I highly recommend their expertise and dedication to anyone seeking to balance conservation and innovation in their projects.’’
