Victorian baths 'are of international significance'

The site may be the oldest, continuously-surviving Victorian example in the world

A new report has found a town's Victorian swimming baths to be of "international significance".

The Grade II*-listed Victoria Health Hydro in Milton Road, Swindon, is currently the subject of a major revamp.

The report, part of the planning permission granted to Swindon Borough Council, states the site may be unique.

It also says the Wiltshire baths may be the oldest continuously-surviving Victorian example in the world.

The original building was constructed in 1891 for the Great Western Railway (GWR) Medical Fund Society, though further baths were added in the early 20th Century.

It provided a number of health services, including a doctor, a dentist, a dispensary and a psychology department.

A new report, authored by the council’s specialist historic building consultants Donald Insall Associates, describes the relationship between GWR, Swindon and Isambard Kingdom Brunel as of "international significance".

The baths have been described as "a unique and significant example of craftsmanship"

Having been installed before the introduction of the NHS, the building was described as a "perfect exemplar of a multi-function health provision" in the mid-20th Century.

It provided health services to thousands of workers who moved to Swindon to work for GWR from the early 1840s onwards, as well as their families.

The report added "no similar buildings are known of anywhere" and the baths were "known to be the oldest surviving, continuously working Victorian style example in Europe - if not the world”.

A 'perfect exemplar'

The report also praised many of the architectural features of the the building, providing "a unique and significant example of craftsmanship".

Describing the ongoing value of the building, it added it was "one of the few" public baths still in existence.

The refurbishment of the baths will see the roof fixed, improved changing facilities, a new entrance and a fitness suite in the former washing baths hall.