Former pool to make a new splash

Left to right: Councillors Dave Houle, Dave Hibbert, council leaderr Jim McMahon and Neil Flynn of CSDA outside the baths

THE iconic building that used to house Chadderton Baths could be brought back to life as part of a business campus.

Oldham Council has sold the art-deco style property in Middleton Road to the Community Skills Development Agency, which already owns the nearby former police station and library.

The CSDA wants to turn it into a training restaurant and business start-up centre.

The popular baths closed to the public in 2006, the sports centre until 2009. The building has since been empty and subject to vandalism.

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “I am delighted this important and iconic building, which is part of Chadderton’s heritage, will once again be brought back into public use — and I am sure residents will share my sentiments.

“This is good news all round. The sale has generated income for the borough’s taxpayers and a local company has acquired a new site which will help them grow in size and create job opportunities.”

Neil Flynn, Managing Director of CSDA, said: “We have ambitious designs to develop and improve the buildings, and when works are completed we intend to use them to offer a wide range of social activities.”