Our Community Story
In January 2013, an announcement by Manchester City Council was made to the M20 community of South Manchester that the much loved and much used Withington Baths and Leisure Centre was to be closed with immediate effect, as they could no longer afford to run it. Over 1200 members, many of whom walk to the centre, the elderly, students, families on low incomes and others, had no alternative sports facility usage. The building has been an integral part of the Withington community for over 100 years, essential for the heath and wellbeing of local people.
The community galvanised and joined together in non-political, family-friendly protests and held a march through the streets, signing a petition to Save The Baths and gathering an unprecedented 8000 signatures in just two weeks. We presented this to Sir Richard Leese, City Council Leader, on Valentine’s Day 2013.
The voices of local people shouted loudly and their passion for this important community hub was recognised by local councillors. Manchester City Council listened and made a u-turn, announcing that Withington Baths would stay open until their new £10m sports centre on Princess Parkway was due to be completed in April 2015.
The community & Love Withington Baths think there is an alternative to closure!
A committed core committee was formed and they developed a business plan to ensure the continued trading success of this vital South Manchester asset.
Withington Baths & Leisure Centre is now run by the community, for the community. As a charitable trust all profits are put back into restoring and maintaining the building, pool and grounds ensuring that it is not just surviving but thriving for the next 100 years.
