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Report - - St James' Baths, Doncaster - Feb 20 | Leisure Sites | 28DaysLater.co.uk

Report - St James' Baths, Doncaster - Feb 20

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UrbandonedTeam

the north
Regular User
St James' Baths

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On the right - the baths in it's theatre period.

The leisure facility was opened on 9th June 1932, costing £10,000 to build and equip with swimming, slipper, Turkish and Russian baths. The pool was the first in England to be fitted with underwater lighting that would hope to prevent accidents, with 24 electrical lights lights along the sides. Unlike most swimming baths of the time, the changing facilities weren't around the pool but in separate areas near the entrance hall. During the Winter months, the pool was replaced with a maple floor allowing performances and film screenings to go ahead. A projection room (although empty) can be accessed on one side of the pool. Consequently, the baths was used as a venue for many performers including the Beatles in the 1960s, who charged £40 for their show. Due to structural concerns, the baths was closed in 2013 and is awaiting a buyer.

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A colour photo of the pool.

We visited this one with @The Excursionists , @Aaron89 and amazingly @little_ boy_explores at a classic pool. Although it was pitch black inside and torches were running low, it was an interesting place with various pieces of rare architecture from different times. Plus, a rope swing had been crafted in the pool which was a nice addition.

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The main hall from the balcony.

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Looking back to the projector room side of the pool. Didn't get a shot of the room itself but it was totally bare.

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Nice arches above one of the three entrances to the building.

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Entrance #1

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Entrance #2

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Entrance #3

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A nice Art Deco design, I believe showing a ship sailing during a storm.

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Changing rooms.

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Turkish baths, one of three remaining in the country and probably the main reason it is Grade Two Listed.

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That's all for the photographs. Here is the link to our documentary styled video on the property. We cover it's past, present and future through cinematics and narration:


Thanks for reading :)
 

bollockmaster

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Donny Council would be quite pleased if this place somehow got damaged beyond repair and had to be demolished. It just doesn't fit in with their vision of a concrete and glass utopia around waterdale. I suspect it will meet the same fate as the gaumont did eventually.
Learnt to swim here at 10yrs old. A coach used to take the entire class there once a week from Balby Middle School (also sadly demolished).
When I worked for the council we used to put flower boxes on the roof of the entrance porch every spring and take them down in the autumn. We used to have to climb through the Managers Office window to get out there. The main reception was in the centre of the entrance foyer with old turnstiles for in and out operated by foot pedal. Very art deco place (my favourite style). The offices upstairs were typical 1930's detective novel style with frosted glass etc, with the office name on the glass in gold writing (managers office etc). Not sure if there was also a caretakers flat up there as well.
 

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