A planning application to transform Salford's derelict Greengate Baths into a food and drink venue has been submitted, fulfilling a promise made when three tower blocks were approved in 2020. The Grade II listed baths, built in 1855, have been empty for decades but were a condition of Renaker's Colliers Yard development.
Background of the Baths
The Collier Street baths, designed by Thomas Worthington, opened on August 27, 1856, at a cost of £9,913. They were considered one of the finest pools in the country and where Salford hero Mark Addy learned to swim. Addy, a Victorian publican, rescued 51 people from drowning in the River Irwell.
The baths were built for the Manchester and Salford Baths and Laundries Company on the site of the old Salford Workhouse. They were one of the first purpose-built public bath houses in Manchester, providing bathing and laundry facilities. Reflecting gender and class divides, the building had two large pools for men (first and second class) and 38 slipper baths for men, while women had only 12.
Development Progress
Renaker secured planning permission for three tower blocks in 2020 on condition that the baths were restored. The Cortland block, a 50-storey tower with 559 rental apartments, was completed in October 2023. Bankside, a 43-storey building with 444 apartments, followed in March 2025. The third, Parkside, is expected to be 40 to 42 storeys high with 420 to 444 apartments.
Renaker's website states: "Forming the core of Colliers Yard, the new tree-lined public square will reframe the iconic Collier Street Baths, celebrating its historic significance whilst creating a vibrant space for both residents and the wider community to enjoy."
Food Hall Plans
The planning application proposes major refurbishment including pointing, roof works, window and door replacements, a new mezzanine, stairs, lift, fire escape, and a new metal and concrete floor. The baths would become a food and drink venue, similar to Manchester's Mackie Mayor food hall in Smithfield Market Hall.
Buttress Architects, for the developers, said: "Soft market research and a dialogue with prospective tenants has been undertaken by Renaker, this has shown that there is a cautious interest in the use of the baths as a hospitality venue, following appropriate restoration and repair of the historic fabric."
Heritage Concerns
Historic England raised concerns about covering the pools to create a level floorplate, which they said would "cause harm to the building's significance." The architects argued that the harm is outweighed by public benefits, noting: "The carefully considered, high-quality design mitigates this harm through reversible solutions and thoughtful design elements."
The baths have been on Historic England's Heritage at Risk register for years and were listed by the Victorian Society as one of the most at-risk buildings from the era in England. Historic England said the baths "constitute one of his finest works" by Worthington, who also designed The Albert Memorial and City Courts.
Community Impact
The Greengate area has become a popular enclave with new skyscrapers benefiting established pubs like The Eagle and Blackfriars, and new restaurants like Kallos. A Salford City Council spokesman said no date has been fixed for the planning application to be considered by councillors.
