Steble Street Wash House and Swimming Baths opened its doors to the public in 1874. The first half of the century saw the facilities at the centre being heavily used by the people of Toxteth and Liverpool. The 60s witnessed housing conditions improving around the City forcing the public wash house at Steble Street into a state of decline. After 107 years service to the public the doors closed for
the final time in 1981. This gave the City substantial opening to develop a much needed gymnastic facility for the people of Liverpool and a Gymnastic Development Officer was appointed to take the helm and steer Liverpool to Gymnastic success. Jeep, Chairman of the Sports Council, officially opened the new purpose built Gymnastic centre to the public. This was the birth of the Liverpool School of Physical Education. In the years that followed Gymnastics grew in popularity and stature, satellite centres in and around the City were established to offer the opportunity for every child in the City to participate in the sport irrespective of age, sex, race or ability. Liverpool soon became established as a City of Gymnastics. In 1985, Liverpool became the first centralised training facility, with the offer of a full time training facility and accommodation; Male gymnasts from all over the country were drawn to Liverpool. In 1991 an extension to the old wash house was built to host the popularity that the sport has attracted. This was opened by H.R.H Princess Anne and was able to double as both a training venue and competition arena. It was in 1992 that The City of Liverpool Gymnastics Club was born supported by the City Councils Development Programme the Club catered solely for the performance section of the programme. As we approached the Millennium the centre gained National recognition through the National and International events hosted by Liverpool City Council. It was however, due to the success of The City of Liverpool Gymnasts on the competition floor, that the centre was credited with the highest honour to be bestowed upon a training facility by British Gymnastics and Sport England that of High Performance Centre in the World Class programme.
