Group 13
WITHINGTON COMMON WATERS

Withington Baths, opened in 1913, is Manchester’s last working Edwardian pool and a hugely culturally significant community asset. Over its lifetime it has experienced periods of both prosperity and hardship, even recently facing the risk of council-induced closure through managed decline. Thankfully, through locally-led activism and a petition, the building was saved and Love Withington Baths (now Withington Baths & Leisure Centre) was established. Through grassroots collaboration with locals and the team at Withington Baths & Leisure Centre, our project aims to further strengthen the site’s role as a community anchor by developing renovation proposals for existing spaces, alongside plans for a more suitable gym facility and new social housing.

Benjamin A / Cian M / Jiabin W / Laiba-Noor M / Liangwen S / Macie-Ann J / Mackenzie B / Manouka V / Mia T / Oliver C / Pok Yuen Jason Z

Macie-Ann J
Hi, I’m Macie! (MArch 1)

After graduating from the University of Bath, I returned home to begin my masters at MSA. With a strong interest in sustainability and experimental design, I joined the SKN atelier, where I was first introduced to Withington Baths. By the end of the first semester, I had become deeply engaged with the project’s rich historical and social layers, and I was delighted to continue my involvement through MSA Live, building on the work and relationships developed earlier in the year.
Posted 16 Feb 2026 20:20
Mackenzie B
Hi, I'm Mackenzie! (MArch 1)

I’m from North Wales (Llandudno) and currently studying Architecture at MSA. My architectural approach is deeply rooted in an appreciation for heritage and community-driven regeneration. As a student at Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), along with my time in industry, I am particularly drawn to the challenge of working with pre-existing structures with sustainable, modern interventions. I view architecture as a vital tool for environmental stewardship and social improvement. Through this MSA Live project, I aim to refine my skills—from high-level conceptualization to technical detailing—while exploring how historic preservation and sustainability can work to support local communities.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 10:05
Pok Yuen Jason Z
Hi, I’m Jason Zheng (BA1)

I have just began my first year as bachelor in MSA. It hasn’t been long since I have reached Manchester, but I have already been attracted by the city’s nature.

I am honored with the opportunity of working with bachelor and master students in MSA for this project, and I’m looking forward to learn more about the city and architecture during the process.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:19
Benjamin A
Hi, I’m Ben! [MArch 1]

I completed my undergraduate studies at The University of Sheffield and Part 1 Placement at AEW Architects, Manchester. Architecture, to myself, is the essence of those who interact, both physically and emotionally, grounded in geometry, form and structure. I look forward to exploring my architectural interests during our live project working with Withington Baths
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:20
Manouka V
Hi I’m Manouka! (BA1)

I’m from Reading, England and have started studying in Manchester this year.

I am particularly interested in the Withington Baths project as it has a strong focus on maintaining the site for the surrounding community of all ages. Especially as the existing building has strong local meaning.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:22
Liangwen S
Hi, I’m Liangwen Song! (MA AR)

I’m from Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China. I am currently taking a master's program in MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse. I am interested in the transformation of buildings and urban space environment. I want to use this project to enrich my architectural understanding and design ability. I ‘d like to explore adaptive reuse and sustainability in the future.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:28
Mia T
Hi i’m Mia! (BA1)

I’m from Edinburgh and currently studying Architecture at MSA. I picked this project as I have an interest in buildings with a rich history and want to contribute to community upkeep projects. I am passionate about fine art and design as well as just architecture and therefore hope I can apply that to this MSA live project. I’d like to use this project to further my knowledge and experience working with pre-existing projects and sustainability.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:30
Oliver C
Hi, I'm Ollie! (MArch 1)

I completed my bachelors degree at Northumbria University, Newcastle, then worked for Ryder Architecture in Newcastle Upon-Tyne which is where I am originally from.

I chose this project as I am interested in adaptive reuse, community and social value. This project is very important to the local community and is our responsibility to deliver a project that not only improves the impressive existing building, but uplifts and serves the local community.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:31
Jiabin W
Hi, I’m Jiabin! [MA AR]

Originally from Zhejiang, China, I am now pursuing my MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse at MSA.
With a strong passion for heritage conservation and sustainable design, I am keen to explore how we can breathe new life into historic buildings and contribute to Manchester’s vibrant architectural landscape.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 14:32
Cian M
Hi, I’m Cian! (MArch 1)

I’m originally from Northampton and completed my BA in Architecture at Norwich University of the Arts and my Part 1 Placement at Kirby Architecture in Suffolk. I am particularly interested in uncovering site histories through drawing and inscriptive practice, so I’m really looking forward to engaging with the historically rich site of Withington Baths.
Posted 17 Feb 2026 15:58
Laiba-Noor M
Hi I’m Laiba! (BA1)

I am currently a student at Manchester school of architecture, and am interested in projects mixed with arts, creativity, and historical value.
I chose to participate in the Withington baths project as it had an ongoing community role and was centred around offering an opportunity to explore adaptive reuse, whilst still respecting the cultural significance
Posted 17 Feb 2026 18:09
Macie-Ann J
During our first site visit, we began by exploring the baths independently, taking time to observe and experience the space as both visitors and Withington locals might. This initial walk-through allowed us to understand the complex circulation in and around the site.

We were then invited on a guided tour by a member of staff, who generously enriched our visit with historical insights and anecdotes. Her commentary helped us appreciate not only the architectural character of the baths but also its longstanding role within the community.

One of the highlights was the opportunity to go behind the scenes. We explored the basement level beneath the pools, gaining a deeper understanding of the building’s operational infrastructure. We also gathered in the courtyard (the proposed site for the new extension), where we began to imagine how much needed additional space might integrate with the existing fabric.

We were surprised by the building's diverse range of users: students attending a yoga class, young children taking part in early-years swimming lessons, and professionals making use of the co-working space. This inclusivity underscored the baths’ continued relevance, not simply as a leisure facility, but as a dynamic community hub.
Posted 18 Feb 2026 20:24
Macie-Ann J
During an initial meeting with our collaborator, we met Dave Payne, a Board Member at Withington Baths. Dave provided a detailed overview of the Baths’ history and outlined the broad range of possibilities we could explore through this project.

A key element of the brief he emphasised was the need for a new gym, to be delivered as an extension to the existing building. He encouraged us to think beyond a single-use addition, suggesting a mixed-use approach that could incorporate social housing, event spaces, and communal facilities, among other opportunities.

To help contextualise these ambitions, Dave shared previous design proposals, which ranged from modest two-storey interventions to more ambitious four- and five-storey schemes spanning the entire site.
Posted 18 Feb 2026 20:26
Macie-Ann J
Group 13: Withington Baths ‘Internal Reflection’
As our group is getting closer and more stuck in with our project at Withington Baths, we wanted to take a moment to have a quick "internal interview" with the team.

Communication:
The general consensus - we’re actually talking to each other! Jiabin and Song both highlighted that our communication has been a major strength from day one. Ben agreed, noting that the team has shown great input and attendance across the board.

One of the big "unknowns” going in was how the different year groups would mesh. Mia, Laiba, and Manouka admitted they were a little worried that the Masters students might be intimidating. Thankfully, they’ve found the opposite to be true!

The Workload:
We’ve been pretty strategic about how we divvy up the workload. Our group all feel that jobs have been assigned based on people’s strengths as well as opportunities to learn.

Split into subgroups, we’ve all worked well to produce a successful poster and blog, a thorough plan of action, a budget proposal, and a detailed risk assessment.

In the mini interview that took place during today’s group work, many also pointed out that everyone is "pulling their weight" and meeting deadlines, which is always a massive win for a university group project.

A ‘What If’ Exercise with the Budget Team
We asked: What would happen if our budget suddenly doubled?

Our budget team agreed that while we can still do a lot with what we have, extra cash would mean:

1. Physical Models: More 3D explorations of our ideas.
2. Easier Community Engagement: we could create even better Withington community engagement.
3. Site Logistics: It could make site visits even easier for the whole team.

What’s Not Working?:
Every project does have its hurdles though! It has been noted that our Tuesday sessions can feel a bit drawn out, however we are working to stay flexible and keep everyone involved.

A recurring issue raised in the interview is that slightly itchy phase we’ve found ourselves in where we’re waiting for the ‘real’ design work to kick off. There’s definitely an appetite to see layouts and examples of previous submissions so we can really start to visualise our final output.

One more thing we need to fix: not everyone has been to the site yet. Getting everyone down to the Baths is top of the priority list!

Looking Ahead:
Overall the mood is high and we’ve realised we have a "nice" group (Mackenzie’s words!), and that’s half the battle won already. We are specifically looking forward to the visualisation stage, and getting more stuck in with the community.
Posted 3 Mar 2026 15:55