Inside the abandoned Chorlton leisure centre taken over by a community of squatters
Photographs taken inside the old Chorlton baths show walls covered in artwork and graffiti instructing visitors to pick up their litter and 'protect trans youth'.
An urban explorer has shared pictures inside Chorlton’s derelict swimming pool, giving an exclusive look behind the doors of the long-abandoned leisure centre that was once home to a community of good-natured squatters.
The south Manchester leisure centre shut its doors in 2015 and, squatters aside, has stood empty since – despite a last-ditched attempt by campaigners to keep it open as a not-for-profit.
The first group of occupiers moved in in 2017, and – armed with brushes and a spot of plumbing know-how – quickly got to work draining and refilling the neglected pool and reviving the sauna so that it could be enjoyed once again by the local community.
Sadly, despite the group’s good intentions, bailiffs were hot on their heels, and soon the collective of 28 people, two dogs and several puppies known as ‘We R’ found themselves evicted and sent out onto the streets in minus-4 temperatures.
Image: Kyle Urbex
Image: Kyle Urbex
Image: Kyle Urbex
A council spokesperson said at the time: “Squatters had broken into the former Chorlton Leisure Centre building and the City Council has obtained a court order to take back control of the site to ensure that it can be repurposed in a way that would benefit the wider community. This happened this morning and the building has now been secured.
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“The former leisure centre is currently one of three Chorlton sites subject to a major consultation to encourage local people to have their say about how the sites could be used in a way that would benefit the wider community.”
Over the years that followed, the building would be occupied several times more with its friendly squatters fixing leaks and even making plans to build a swimming pool before ultimately being kicked out for good in 2019.
Image: Kyle Urbex
Image: Kyle Urbex
Image: Kyle Urbex
Now, new images taken by urban explorer Kyle Urbex show how the group’s time here changed the building’s appearance forever.
Photographs taken inside the old Chorlton baths show walls covered in artwork and graffiti instructing visitors to pick up their litter and ‘protect trans youth’, old gymnasium equipment rearranged to look like a sort of childlike den or fortress, and even a worn-in, comfy-looking leather couch still bearing the imprints of its last occupant.
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Elsewhere, Kyle’s pictures give a glimpse into the lifestyle of the squatters – with more graffiti advertising invites to workshops and even a dedicated busker performing area marked outside the gymnasium.
Image: Kyle Urbex
Image: Kyle Urbex
Image: Kyle Urbex
Eerily, it can be seen in the pictures that some of the electricity supply for the old baths is still hooked up with intermittent lighting throughout.
For Kyle, who explores and photographs abandoned buildings across the north west, getting inside and photographing the baths was a real achievement as it has never been done before.
And now, with new plans recently confirmed to transform the derelict leisure centre into affordable housing for the over 55s, it is likely that all this will soon be erased forever.
Review | Midsomer Murders comes to Manchester for a satisfying Opera House adaptation
Hollie Wells
‘The Fuzz are here!’ – also known as the well-known duo, Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby and Detective Sergeant Troy. As ever, they’re here to solve the murder of orchid-loving, elderly lady Emily Simpson in the seemingly sleepy county of Midsomer…
Manchester’s historic Opera House played host to the first ever stage production of Midsomer Murders: ‘The Killings at Badger’s Drift‘ last night.
With a busy, full audience of fans of the original novel by Catherine Graham and the acclaimed ITV staple. There was a hum of anticipation to see the timeless tales unfold.
Excitingly, the role of Barnaby in the stage play is under the trusted care of Daniel Casey, who is best known as DS (Detective Sergeant) Troy in the prior television adaptation of Midsomer Murders between 1997 and 2008.
Casey’s comfort and wealth of experience with these narratives comforted the audience from the outset. In a purposely complicated plot, Casey grounded the performance and was the throughline in the show.
‘The Killings at Badger’s Drift’ is a good, light-hearted, mid-week show, with an enjoyable concoction of eccentric characters and the perfect ‘whodunnit’ plot, which keeps you intrigued and entertained throughout its roughly two and a half hour duration.
Even those more than familiar with Misdomer tales and the most typical murder mystery format will still get plenty of enjoyment out of it.
The engaging use of multi-role actors received a great response from the audience, particularly the moments between Barbara Lessiter and Dickie Whitley; all of their interactions were performed with fabulous comedic timing by Chandrika Chevli.
The elements of comedy throughout made for a lovely evening at the Opera House. This was not solely through the actors, either: the use of mechanics within the set of this stage-play allowed for multiple moments of physical comedy, and this was a strong motif throughout.
A rotation of impressive transitional sets also aided in transporting the audience to the infamous village and crime scenes, allowing one to be absorbed in the story and successfully converting Midsomer Murders from page to screen to stage.
Running for only three days from Wednesday, 27, until Saturday, 30 May 2026, with matinee shows available throughout.
One must act fast to join the detective duo and catch the killer before it’s too late!
Review | PinkPantheress turns O2 Victoria Warehouse into one huge party on first night in Manchester
Emily Johnson
There was a point during Pinkpantheress’ set at O2’s Victoria Warehouse where you almost forgot you were watching someone perform an album that barely stretches past the 20-minute mark.
Instead, night one of two Manchester shows felt like one huge club night curated by one of the most exciting British artists around right now.
From the second you walked into the venue, greeted by an army of plaid, the world of PinkPantheress (real name Victoria Beverley Walker, for those who didn’t know) completely took over.
The stage itself mirrored that energy too, with a two-tier setup that allowed her to constantly move around the space, appearing and disappearing throughout the night alongside outfit changes, dramatic lighting and eventually, a pair of angel wings.
Backed by her dancers and DJ Joe, the entire show felt slick, immersive and miles away from the early days of PinkPantheress nervously clutching onto her handbag on stage like a comfort blanket. Ironically, the handbag did make a brief appearance during the evening.
It’s a reminder of just how much her performances have evolved – and evolve they have.
What could have easily been a short and simple set instead became a fully realised live show, complete with extended dance sections, rave-inspired moments, drum solos and seamless transitions that made the whole thing feel bigger than the music alone.
There’s also something undeniably British about a PinkPantheress show: the UK garage influences, the fashion, the awkward humour, and the understated confidence all combined into something that felt distinctly hers.
At one point, she paused to laugh: “It’s hot in this venue, f*** me,” which summed up the sweaty chaos of the night perfectly.
At one point, she joked that the last time she was in Manchester, she made it all the way to the final stage of Pointless, before being told she was now “too famous” to go on the show – a perfectly PinkPantheress anecdote that had the crowd laughing immediately.
By the end of the set, O2 Victoria Warehouse felt less like a gig venue and more like the best house party you’ve ever accidentally ended up at.
And with another Manchester show still to come, it’s safe to say the party isn’t over just yet.
Georgina Pellant -
18th May 2023 
