The Lost Pyramids of Broughton – the strangest swimming baths on the planet…
When Broughton Baths opened in 1967, to replace the leaking old baths on Great Clowes Street, it was absolutely state of the art, crowned with pyramid skylights on the roof which were a major stand-out landmark.
The baths, on Great Cheetham Street West, just off Bury New Road and behind what is now McDonalds, was described at the time as ‘brave architecture’, with the pyramids, originally made of glass and steel, allowing natural sunlight to filter onto the water of the main pool and junior pools, while providing an unearthly, special experience for swimmers below.
“Externally, the most expressive part of the building is the roof; ten glazed pyramid roof-lights that cast a diffused light into the pool hall, minimising glare from the water surfaces” wrote the Mainstream Modern website, describing the baths’ design by Scott Brownrigg and Turner, and the Salford City Engineer.
“The massive roof oversails the external wall providing some drama whilst concealing much of the mechanical equipment within…” it added “The overall appearance of the building actually has a distinctly 1980s character, this is largely due to the machined quality of all of the external surfaces. Glazed block, glass, fibreglass panels, glazed tiles and even the areas of exposed concrete were specified to minimise weathering and discolouration; they have done so…”
However, in 2008, Salford Council Leader, John Merry, admitted to the Salford Star that there were plans to knock down the baths and relocate them to Mocha Parade. Expecting opposition, after a previous attempt had drawn protest, this never happened, but in 2014, while £120,000 worth of repairs were carried out, eight of the pyramid skylights were found to be corroded and in 2015 they were dismantled and removed.
In 2016, with Broughton Baths roof now flat and bare but un-corroded, Urban Vision, then Salford Council’s property partner, carried out a Condition Survey and concluded that the roof had ‘no issues’ and that £60,000 of mechanical and external repairs would see it through to 2021. But to keep the building sound for a further five years – to 2026 – would cost over £1.3million (at 2016 prices). Together with the lost pyramids of Broughton, the baths themselves might end up as ancient history…
The House That Jack Built – the strangest pub on the planet…
Opened in 1975, as part of the Newbury Place precinct, The House That Jack Built was unique – a pub with a zillion nooks and crannies, and a layout so crazy they actually had a map of how to get out on the beer mats. And the pool room had one cue smaller than the other as it was the only way to get a shot in as the place was too small for the table.
The most higgledy piggledy pub on the planet (albeit with a great jukebox) brings lots of memories back for people. Here are some from old Salford heritage sites on Facebook…
Angela recalls “I got a bad headache, not from alcohol, just having to keep my balance!’; Barbara adds that it “was no use getting drunk – you would never find your way out!”; while Carole adds “You could play hide and seek in that pub!”
Peter tells the story of one of the early licensees, Jack Moon , who got stopped by the police driving back from Manchester…
‘What’s your name?’ Jack..‘Jack what?’…Jack Moon…‘Where do you live?’…The House That Jack Built…‘You’re nicked!’
Meanwhile, Lauren Brodie has sent over a painting by artist Dave Bowker that her dad bought, titled ‘Anover C urt’, which was the now demolished Hanover Court block of flats overlooking the pub…
The House That Jack Built closed in 2004, shortly after being re-named Jack’s, and was demolished in 2005.
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Both regular haunts remember Eds fabrics across roadwheres whisky a go go DLT