Opened in 1915, this was a popular pool in a beautiful setting in Lister Park, situated betweeen the Botanical Gardens and tennis courts. The pool did not comply with new hygiene standards by the late 1930’s and a scheme of reconstruction was proposed in 1937. A transformed pool re-opened in 1939. By 1982, repairs costing £60,000 were needed so the local authority closed the pool and demolished it a few years later.
| Name | Lister Park |
| Built / opened | Originally 1915 Reconstructed scheme re-opened May 1939 |
| Cost | Reconstruction £20,000 |
| Dimensions | 150′ x 60′ |
| Capacity | 352,000 gallons (both pools after reconstruction) |
| Water type | Stream-fed |
| Depth(s) | 3′ 4″ to 6′ 10″ Diving pit 10′ 6″ from reconstruction |
| Diving boards | Diving stage – 2, 3 and 5m boards Springboards – 1 and 3 m boards Spencer, Heath and George, Ltd |
| Changing facilities | Originally 140 wooden dressing cubicles From 1939, 100 cubicles and storage for 500 “Hy-gard-all” clothes hangers |
| Second pool | 50′ x 30′ x 2′ deep after reconstruction |
| Spectator seating | Originall 480 spectators |
| Designer | Original design City Architect, Mr. W. Williamson, F.R.I.B.A. and City Engineer and Surveyor (Mr. WHS. Dawson), Reconstruction City Architect, Mr. J. A. Fletcher, F.R.I.B.A. |
| Date closed | 1983 |
| Status | Demolished 1991 |
| On site now | Grass |
| Notes | |
| Links |
Baths and Bath Engineering Jan / Feb 1940
Bradford Swimming Facilities
Lister Park Open Air Bath Modernised
Early last year a scheme of modernisation was completed at Bradford’s open-air bath in Lister Park.
The bath, when first opened in 1915, was 150 ft. long by 60 ft. wide, the depth being 3 ft. 4 in. to 6 ft. 10 in., the water for which was obtained from a stream and flowed by gravitation through settling tanks into the bath. A wooden staging, with fixed boards at varying heights up to 14 ft., was used for the purpose of diving. Seventy dressing cubicles constructed of wood were erected on each side and at one end of the bath, to the rear of which seats, arranged in tiers. provided accommodation for 480 spectators. Adjoining the entrance hall was a small cafe. The bath was built to the design of the then City Architect, Mr. W. Williamson, F.R.I.B.A.
The Reconstructed Scheme
The large bath is 150 ft. long by 60 ft. wide. A diving pit has been constructed at the deep end covering an area of 48 ft. by 30 ft., giving an average total depth of 10 ft. 6 in. from water level. A diving stage with 2, 3 and 5m running boards and 1 and 3 m springboards has been provided, also two water chutes 10 ft. 6 in. and 6 ft. high, respectively.
Running parallel with the large bath is a small one, 50 ft. by 30 ft. and approximately 2 ft. deep, for the use of children. The capacity of the two baths is approximately 352,000 gal. of water. A filtration, sterilisation, and heating plant has been installed, capable of treating the entire contents of the baths in a period of six hours. For each sex, a spacious dressing room containing 100 cubicles and storage for 500 clothes hangers has been provided, together with adequate foot sprays and showers.
Surrounding the large bath is a raised terrace on which sun bathers may recline, and to the rear of this are seats, arranged in tiers, for spectators, provision being made for the latter to obtain shelter during inclement weather. A spacious cafe with glass fronted lounges has been an added amenity. At the main entrance are the administrative offices, first-aid room, and storage room for cycles, etc.
Plans for the reconstruction were prepared by the then City Architect, Mr. J. A. Fletcher, F.R.I.B.A., and the work was carried out under his supervision. The approximate cost of the scheme was £20,000.
Mr, G. W. Fryatt, M.N.A.B.S. is the Super intendent of the City of Bradford baths.
Contractors
Among the contractors were: -Bell Bros. (Manchester 1927). Ltd.-filtration and sterilisation plant; James Sieber, London- “Hyg-gard-all” clothes hangers: Spencer, Heath and George, Ltd., Ponders End, Middlesex-diving stage, etc.
