Scope:
- RIBA 2-4
Service:
- Lead Designer
Value:
- £8m
Flag Lane Baths, a Listed art-deco swimming pool, was once a vibrant hub when it first opened its doors in 1937. However, in 2016, it faced closure by the local authority and fell into disrepair. In 2022, a glimmer of hope emerged when a Town Fund proposal empowered a local community charity to transform this historic gem into a versatile community facility.
Client
Always Ahead Charity
The revitalisation project was nothing short of ambitious.
The once-dilapidated baths were due to house heritage galleries, shop units, a community grocery club, a children’s centre, counselling rooms, a restaurant, a café, and a dynamic multi-purpose hall, perfectly suited for conferences, cinema exhibitions, and concerts.
Challenges included coordinating the objectives of multiple public funding bodies, preserving the Listed status of the building, and restoring lost historic features. The project also navigated complex health and safety challenges tied to a multi-level heritage building.
The inclusion of new facilities like a café, theatre, and flexible workspaces within the existing structure presented unique challenges. We intended to integrate these features without compromising the building’s cherished character.
We aimed to transform the old baths into a vibrant community asset, emphasising health and well-being, engaging youth, and promoting social inclusion. Unfortunately, due to funding issues, the project did not progress past Stage 4.
Crewe & Nantwich
