A scheme to transform an abandoned set of Turkish baths in Bolton town centre has been called off.
The plan had originally set out to turn the now vacant building on Great Moor Street into three new self-contained flats.
The baths are designated as a Grade II listed building and developers had pledged to keep potential changes to a minimum.
A statement from G&T Architects said: “The existing premises are currently empty, but the last previous use was as an office over the ground and first floors.
“The demand for office premises in this area of Bolton is diminishing, and there are a number of other office vacant buildings within the town centre.”
It added: “The appearance of the building will not significantly change as a result of the proposals, with no extensions proposed.
“As the building is Grade II listed the intention is to retain the existing windows and doors, with repair and refurbishment being carried out as required as part of the conversion works.
“All windows will be painted white.
“Pointing and general repairs will be carried out to the existing façade, and the existing render finish to the single storey section at the rear will be made good and repainted.”
The baths were first designed in the 19th century by Blackburn and Darwen based architects Stones and Gradwell.
By the turn of the 20th century there were more than 800 Turkish Baths all around the country.
But the Great Moor Street Turkish Baths closed down in 1980 and since then have been used first as office spaces before eventually being left vacant.
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They have been amongst several empty buildings in that part of town that have sparked concerns in recent months and years.
The abandoned Buffet King restaurant has been lying vacant nearby since at least 2016, while an old half-built student block has been abandoned on Great Moor Street since 2018.
In February this year a buyer was finally found for the student block meaning that work may be able to continue soon.
The developers behind the new flats at the Turkish Baths announced as of Tuesday May 7 that they had withdrawn their plans.
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