Revitalised landmark creates thriving innovation hub
Ashton Old Baths was built in 1870 for the residents of Ashton-under-Lyne. A century later, the public baths had fallen into disrepair. The building was on the English Heritage At Risk Register and had become a target for crime and vandalism.
In 2014, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (TMBC, Greater Manchester), secured funding to re-invent the magnificent Grade II listed building as a creative workspace. The renovation began and Oxford Innovation Space was appointed to manage the centre in 2016.
Many local people had a strong attachment to Ashton Old Baths, having learnt to swim there as children.
The building was calling out to be restored as a central part of community life and a workspace was needed to retain the entrepreneurs and innovators of the community in the local area. The obvious way forward was to repurpose the landmark as a place where new businesses could flourish.
Following a competitive process, Oxford Innovation Space was appointed to manage the new centre and provide support on the final design and fit out.
Our role was to inspire and attract occupants, particularly amongst a younger demographic.
- Ashton Old Bath’s Digital Dozen
The centre quickly attracted and nurtured many early-stage businesses and in January 2018 we launched the Digital Dozen, a 6-month accelerator programme funded by Oxford Innovation Space and TMBC to support young, local entrepreneurs in bringing their ideas to commercial reality. - An increase in creative employment in the town
A lynchpin for TMBC’s wider regeneration programme for the area was phase two of Ashton Old Bath’s development (completed in November 2021). This next phase brought more creative employment space to the town as well as new conferencing and meeting locations. - Keeping local entrepreneurs close to home
Ashton Old Baths is now an aspirational location for growing businesses and a vibrant hub for people to start, grow, and sustain their companies. An indicator of the long-term effect on the wider business community is that 79% of Ashton Old Bath’s “graduates” have stayed in the Tameside area.
- A new focus for the next generation
The building is seen to have been passed from one generation to the next, enabling them to grow their careers and futures whilst remaining close to their roots and importantly, stay in the town. - A sense of pride for Ashton-under-Lyne
The regeneration and re-invention of the area has brought huge pride back to the community and has provided a catalyst for the further reimagining of the town. - Further investment for the regeneration of the town
The council has since been awarded £20 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund for Ashton Town Centre. The plans are to transform the nearby St Petersfield’s area into a £100 million mixed-use development including office space, restaurants, residential properties and creative studios. - Building with the environment in mind
The project's commitment to sustainability, including initiatives like heat/cooling harvesting from the Data Centre and repurposing and refurbishing architectural features. reinforces its dedication to a more eco-friendly future for Ashton-under-Lyne and its inhabitants.
"With the support of the (Oxford Innovation Space) team, we have been able to shape the building for the future, attracting both new and growing businesses to the area.”
"Oxford Innovation Space have real experience in creating an environment where local businesses can thrive.
With the support of the team there, we have been able to shape the building for the future, attracting both new and growing businesses to the area. The re-invention of the high-profile Ashton Old Baths building has both invigorated Ashton and put it firmly on the innovation map."
Innovators inspired
