 City council leader Sir Richard Leese said the baths were 'a noteworthy part of Manchester's heritage' and it was heartening that the building would be returned to use for the benefit of the community.Mancat, which merged with City College on 1 August 2008 to become The Manchester College, says the 'second-class male swimming pool' of the baths would have to be sacrificed so the rest can be preserved.The scheme already has the support of English Heritage.The front of the building would be restored and the first-class male pool would become an exhibition space.The college is part of Manchester College of Arts and Technology, which has expansion plans at the site.