Byrne Avenue Baths was designed in 1931 by Architect Robert W. Johnston, and constructed over the space of 3 years by unemployed men under the governments 'Unemployment Scheme'.
Described by English Heritage as a 'Classical Design with Art Deco Influences', the Grade II listed building once housed two full swimming pools, with the larger covered in winter months to allow indoor sports usage. Over time, the larger pool became used exclusivley for swimming,with the smaller converted into a permenant sports hall, and this design remanined unchanged untill the bath house's closure in 2009.
Unfortunatley, the baths have remained unaccesable to the public following the closure in what was the 75th aniversary year. The Byrne Avenue Community Trust (http://byrneavenuebaths.org/) was created in 2011 with the sole aim of protecting and revitalising the historic building, though council valuations place the repair costs at between £2-3mil, meaning as of 2015, the building still remains closed and unused.
This Cache is located cllose to the entrance path on Byrne Avenue South, though a second, and perhaps more grand, entrance was located on old Chester Road, and is certainly worth a look at. The Byrne Avenue South entrance was chosen as the primary entrance to reduce the risks associated with queing along a busy main road.
Please note, this cache does not requre you to enter the grounds of the baths or to walk up the enterance path. it can be obtained from the pavement of Byrne Avenue. Parking is available on either side of Byrne Avenue or nearby Green Lawn. Both streets are of interest due to their peculiar U-shape, so don't be confused if you cant see an entrance on Byrne Avenue, you may simply be on the wrong side of Byrne Avenue!
Well done to WirralWallaces and DS Wallace on their joint FTF!