A Wirral swimming baths which had once been threatened with demolition has reopened to the public after a six year "marathon" by community campaigners to get the centre reopened.
Byrne Avenue Baths in Birkenhead closed "unexpectedly" in 2009 and was once "under threat of demolition."
After the formation of a trust and the transfer of the Rock Ferry baths as a community asset and " a lot of hard work" the centre opened its doors today during an unveiling of the renovated sports hall - which holds a little known "secret baths" under its floorboards.
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Speaking to the ECHO at the launch of the initiative, Byrne Avenue Trust CEO Jane Richards told the ECHO: "I'm holding back tears today to see this reopening.
"It was a really well loved baths and much needed facility in the local area and people campaigned so hard to save it."
Jane, who got involved six years ago to help writing funding bids and is now the organisation's CEO said: "Our aim was always to rescue, restore and reopen.
"The building was in a real state and there's still a lot of work to be done, but to see it being opened finally today, it's quite emotional."
Jane who swam in the baths as a teenager said: "Look at it. It's got so much to offer and there is nothing round here, it's going to be fabulous.
"There has been such an amazing team working on it, it feels like such a special moment to see if opened."
Dozens of people attended the ceremony, including local MP Mick Whitley, where people were able to see the main pool, which is yet to be restored and is currently lying empty with extensive damage to the glass roof.
A 'Slipper Baths' room, featuring some of the old individual baths that people could bathe in are still visible in an area which is due to become the centre's café.
The old laundrette has become a function room with plans to use the art deco space for a range of community events with the space available for hire.
Today, the sports hall was the main feature being opened - and underneath its floor lies a recently restored hidden extra pool.
When the baths were built, the pool was designed to be covered over in the winter to save on energy, and although the pool is not in use it has been restored to its former glory.
Along the walls of the sports hall a mural has been painted by a local artist referencing a photograph which was proudly on display at the reopening which depicted the laying of the original foundation to the baths in 1931.
The Rock Ferry landmark has been undergoing extensive renovation works for the lasts four years after campaigners saved the Grade II listed building from demolition in 2017.
The trust has since raised more than £500,000 to begin restoring the baths to its former glory and to create a new space for people to enjoy,
The swimming baths, built in 1931-3 by Robert W Johnston, are described by the Heritage England as a “classical design with Art Deco influences”.
It was listed as “an interesting example of ‘Unemployment Scheme’ construction, whereby the building was constructed by unemployed men engaged through the Employment Exchange and Public Assistance Committee.”
Moving full circle, employment opportunities have been made available by the new venture, with the hopes to employ more full time staff as the centre gets up and running and more areas are restored.
The baths are fondly remembered by members of the local community, many of whom learned to swim at Byrne Avenue.
Commenting on a livestream earlier today of the centre's reopening, many spoke of their "delight" at the news.
Kelly Povall said: "Used to love Byrne Avenue baths as a kid cant wait for it to fully reopen as a swimming pool so I can take my little girl."
Helen Smith added: "Spent many a time of my youth at these baths!"
Dave Johnson said: "Fantastic memories, congratulations to all concerned."
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