The idea for a public swimming baths came from millowner, Caleb Wright. The local board built the baths in Union Street at a cost of £1,300 (£ in ) and they opened to great celebrations in 1876. Tyldesley Swimming Club was formed as soon as the baths opened. Two members of Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo Club represented Great Britain in Olympic Games. Addin Tyldesley, competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics in London and Duncan Cleworth competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. The baths closed on health grounds in 1960 and the closed Majestic Cinema on Castle Street was converted into public baths in 1964. The pool is now the Pelican Centre.