Past
The Etherow Centre Charitable Trust governs and maintains this historic former railway warehouse by Broadbottom Train Station (Tameside). Rescued from dereliction in the early 1980s, it was transformed into a charitable trust that provides recreational, therapeutic, and sporting facilities.
Originally built as a railway warehouse during the 19th century industrial expansion, it served as a vital freight hub for the Etherow Valley area’s textile industry. In the downtown of Mid-20th Century, the warehouse fell into disrepair and became derelict by the 1960s.
The Community Centre Association campaigned to save the building, and with backing from the Greater Manchester and Tameside Councils, the building was purchased and converted into a dedicated activity hub. Over the decades since, the building has housed a variety of community initiatives.
Present
For more information on the Etherow Indoor Bowling Centre, please visit their official website https://etherow-ibc.co.uk/
Corrective Works
As part of the ongoing conservation of the historic railway building, areas of deteriorated and inappropriate cement-based pointing were carefully removed from the internal masonry walls and the window reveals – which were also made good. Previous repairs during renovation had used a hard, non-porous cement mortar, which restricted the natural movement and moisture transfer of the original masonry, contributing to localised accelerated decay of adjacent stonework. The exterior elevation had been lime repointed some years earlier.
Following the removal of the cement pointing using hand tools to minimise damage to the historic fabric, the joints were cleaned and prepared for repointing. A compatible lime mortar was specified and provided to match the original construction materials and allow the masonry to ‘breathe’ effectively.
Patch repointing was undertaken only where required – marked up by the Architect – preserving as much historic material as possible. The new lime mortar was carefully compacted into the joints and finished to match the existing appearance of the mill’s masonry. Some areas required rebuilding during the works due to hollow areas compacted with cement. This approach restored the wall’s ability to manage moisture, improved the overall condition of the fabric, and maintained the building’s historic character in accordance with conservation best practice.
Future
The completed works provide a durable and sympathetic repair that supports the long-term preservation of the building while respecting its industrial heritage significance. The works mean that the new indoor bowling mat can be laid without further works required to the internal wall that may affect the new surface.
