Contractors carrying out a £3 million redevelopment scheme in Bradford city centre have uncovered a fascinating bit of history.

Copies of the Bradford Daily Telegraph, Bradford Daily Argus and Yorkshire Daily Observer were found in a 95-year-old 'time capsule' by contractors working on the £3 million conversion of the old Windsor Baths building in Great Horton Road.

The papers all became part of Bradford and District Newspapers, which is the parent company of the Telegraph & Argus.

The 'find' was concealed inside a large commemorative stone placed over the building's entrance in Great Horton Road during its construction. The stone is dated June 5, 1903.

The cuttings carry a feature by reporters about progress on the prestige scheme and carried a drawing of how it would look when it was finished. Councillor Dave Green, chairman of the Council's regeneration committee, said: "The material found provides a fascinating incite into the life of Bradfordians at the turn of the century and a unique picture of the scale of this city centre development."

He said he would like to see the historic papers and stone take pride of place on the original site and would meet developers Leeds and London Holdings to ensure the historic artefacts in Bradford's past had a future in the development.

The company is currently converting the former baths into a new pub and nightclub attraction after entering a long term leasing agreement with the Council, which owns the building.

The papers reveal that the Windsor Baths originally cost £33,000 - the equivalent of £4.5 million - to build and served a dual purpose with the main swimming pool converting to a dance and function venue. A temporary floor was laid during the winter months.

The baths finally closed in 1982 but the building continued to house Bradford Festival events and occasional dances and concerts until three years ago.

The building's original fittings, including parts of the public gallery which overlooked the swimming pool, will be retained. The gallery will be a centre-piece for the modern pub scheme.

The old baths' exterior features will also be preserved. as the four existing units in Morley Street will also get a facelift.

Leeds and London Holdings say two of the three units available in the development have already been snapped up. Allied Domecq Leisure is launching a Feestyle and Firkin as the latest real ale addition to its successful Firkin brand of public houses. Camerons are also due to open the Varsity Bar in the second available unit.

Site agent Martin Smith said the papers were well hidden in a wall between two windows. "It is a tremendously interesting find," he added.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.