| Summary : The Ardwick Lads' and Mens' Club, later called the Ardwick Youth Centre, opened in 1897. Designed by architects W & G Higginbottom, the club, when opened, featured a large gymnasium with viewing gallery - where the 1933 All England Amateur Gymnastics Championships were held - three fives courts, a billiard room and two skittle alleys (later converted to shooting galleries). Boxing, cycling, cricket, swimming and badminton were also organised. At its peak between the two world wars, Ardwick was the Manchester area's largest club, with 2,000 members. Prior to demolition in January 2013 it was also believed to be Britain's oldest purpose-built youth club still in use. |