Corporation Swimming Baths

The Crewe Corporation Public Swimming Baths opened on Saturday 6th November 1937 by the then Mayor of Crewe Frank Bott, M.B.E. The baths was constructed to replace the recently closed baths located on Mill Street which were owned by the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company. The bath hall contains two swimming pools, these were the learners’ bath which was located at the east end of the hall. And to the west was the main bath with a maximum depth of 9 ft that was designed to be used as a diving pit. The bath hall is also home to a stunning art deco roof that is constructed from a mixture of last concrete and sky lights, also overlooking the main pool is a viewing gallery that can be accessed from two staircases located in the main foyer of the building.

The main contractor for the construction of the baths was Messrs. F. Taylor and Co., Ltd., of Littleborough, who had been employed by the then Crewe Municipal Corporation. The building was constructed near to the bank of the River Waldron (known locally as the Valley Brook) and is split over several different floors. Due to the nature of the terrain the south side of the building has its basement wall exposed, where as on the north side of the building it is completely underground.

The swimming baths closed in March 2016 with the new Crewe Lifestyle Centre opening on 1st April. Following the closure of Flag Lane the building was subject to multiple break-ins and vandalism which has inevitably lead to the deterioration of the site. A local church has recently been fundraising for an ambitious project to convert the building into a community centre but as of mid 2024 no work has been done at the property.