A pavilion in Old Trafford is Grade-II listed almost 150 years after its construction.
The clubhouse at Old Trafford Bowling Club was Grade-II listed by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) on the advice of Historic England last week.
The pavilion on Talbot Road is one of the most extraordinary examples of a pre-First World War amateur club due to its wooded exterior and its wondrous interior, in particular in the Billiards Room of the two-storey building. With the exception of a late-20th century bar and details like doors and fireplaces it is as it was almost 150 years ago.
Historic England said it is significant for its 'architectural ambition' and 'large scale'.
Sarah Charlesworth, from its listing team, said: "Old Trafford Bowling Club pavilion is one of the finest examples of an amateur bowling pavilion in England, continuing to be enjoyed by the local community for its original purpose nearly 150 years on."
The age of Old Trafford Bowling Club is unknown but its clubhouse was built in the Tudor Revival style in the late 1800s.
It was built based on the design by architect John Bowden on land from the Trafford Park estate of Humphrey de Trafford.
Previously, until the late 1850s, the site was used by Manchester Cricket Club before it merged with Lancashire Cricket Club and moved to what is now Old Trafford.
The site was also used by the Manchester Art and Treasures Exhibition, which is believed to be one of the biggest art exhibitions in history.
Buildings are Grade-II listed if deemed to be of 'special interest'. Other examples in the area include the town hall and the archway used as an entrance to what was the Botanic Gardens, later White City Amusement Park and White City Greyhound Stadium.
It is the lowest level of listing compared to 'more than special interest' (Grade II*) or 'exceptional interest' (Grade I) but it still provides a significant level of protection within the planning system.
This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.
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