Historic swimming baths are set for a new lease of life after a £1.7m funding boost.

Derelict Ashton Baths in Tameside, one of the first and largest municipal swimming baths to open in the country, will be transformed into business blocks for fledgling companies.

A £1.7m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund has been secured to deliver the project.

Council bosses in Tameside have spoken of their delight at the news and the revamped, Grade II-listed building could open for business by next year.

Built in a Byzantine style, the baths opened in 1870 at a cost of just £16,000. Part of the huge building was also used as a police station and a station for one fire engine. The building shut when the newer baths opened in the 1970s.

The new project however will breathe new life back into a crumbling structure branded an eyesore. It’s remained largely derelict since the closure and remains on English Heritage’s ‘at risk’ register.

The project involves plans to create a 21st century business premises for start-up and early stage companies in a freestanding structure within the main pool hall. Enterprises in the digital, creative and media sectors will be targeted.

The council said open viewing days for the public would feature, alongside a public art installation.

Coun John Taylor, deputy executive leader of Tameside council, said: “I always used to think this building was an eyesore positioned at one of the most important gateways to Ashton’s town centre, but not anymore.

“Once I’d had a look round inside and seen the intricate wooden roof beams, I was hooked. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. I’m really excited about this project and feel sure that once it’s been brought back into use, the public will also fall in love with it.”

David Smith-Milne, managing director of the building’s owners, property development company PlaceFirst Ltd, said an important heritage site would be brought back into use. He added: “We will continue to work with the council and other stakeholders on delivering those proposals.”

Council leader Kieran Quinn said: “We greatly value the support that the Heritage Lottery Fund is providing for the redevelopment of Ashton Baths.”

No exact plans have been drawn up and further announcements are expected next year.