OUR HERITAGE
HERITAGE
The story of Ashton Old Baths begins in Victorian England, where calls for better sanitation led to the construction of a vast swimming baths, opened officially in 1870. The incredible structure wasn’t just a place to bathe – in fact, by 1970 when the Baths eventually closed, the building had been reinvented as an orchestra venue, a restaurant, and even an indoor tennis court. Standing empty for over 40 years, Tameside Council and Oxford Innovation stepped in with a new vision for the remarkable space. In 2014, work began to transform the iconic landmark into a vibrant and thriving digital hub with workspace for businesses in the surrounding Greater Manchester area. With an impressive new timber structure built at the heart of the building’s original walls, we continued the Baths’ history of reinvention, innovation and creativity. This is the Ashton Old Baths we know today.
WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF REINVENTION.
The story of Ashton Old Baths begins in Victorian England, where calls for better sanitation led to the construction of a vast swimming baths, opened officially in 1870. The incredible structure wasn’t just a place to bathe – in fact, by 1975 when the Baths eventually closed, the building had been reinvented as an orchestra venue, a restaurant, and even an indoor tennis court.
Standing empty for over 40 years, Tameside MBC and Oxford Innovation stepped in with a new vision for the remarkable space. In 2014, work began to transform the iconic landmark into a vibrant and thriving digital hub with workspace for businesses in the surrounding Greater Manchester area. With an impressive new timber structure built at the heart of the building’s original walls, we continued the Baths’ history of reinvention, innovation and creativity. This is the Ashton Old Baths we know today.
for public baths to be built
in Ashton
built upon is donated by
Lord Stamford
opened, designed by architects
Paull & Robinson
gala took place
orchestra venue with space
for 5,200 people
the Baths as an indoor winter
tennis court
across the entire building
was added to clean the pool’s
120,000 gallons of water
in the Baths is replaced by
a restaurant
closed, and left empty for
over 40 years
using the building as a business
innovation centre
Baths into a digital and
creative hub
a fully restored and reinvented
space
NOT YOUR AVERAGE SPACE
The entire building has been renovated throughout, with the external walls restored to make it completely air and water tight, and structural works to reinforce and enhance its original features. The newly-constructed core of the building houses a diverse range of office, meeting and conference space, and the Baths’ stunning arches have been transformed into stylish meet-up spaces.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Tameside resident or business
- Digital, creative or media sector focus
- Must have a demonstrable product or service with a defined consumer
- Ability to take on new ideas and have growth ambition
- Willing to commit to the 6-month programme of support (Jan – June 2018)
- Willing to actively participate in the Digital Dozen cohort and commit to a minimum of 2 days per week to be physically based within AOB
- Willing to commit to regular meetings with the Innovation Director/Mentor to participate in 1:1 business support and coaching activities
- Act as an advocate for the AOB Digital Dozen in promotional activities
NOT YOUR AVERAGE SPACE
The entire building has been renovated throughout, with the external walls restored to make it completely air and water tight, and structural works to reinforce and enhance its original features. The newly-constructed core of the building houses a diverse range of office, meeting and conference space, and the Baths’ stunning arches have been transformed into stylish meet-up spaces.
Director of Place
Tameside Council
