Victorian bathhouse turned into leisure attraction to get huge £71million makeover with new pool and spaces
A HISTORIC Victorian bathhouse in London is getting an upgrade, including a new pool and sauna.
Kings Hall in Clapton, previously known as Hackney Public Baths, is expected to reopen with new facilities in 2028.
Originally a Victorian bath house, the leisure centre in Clapton fell into disrepair over recent years and desperately needed renovation.
Now, the bath house will be refurbished, with a new swimming pool, fitness suite, sports hall, sauna and steam room.
Many of the Victorian accents will be kept in the Grade II listed building.
Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney, said: "Over generations, thousands of people have learnt to swim or use the gym at Kings Hall, and it has been difficult to see such a beautiful building deteriorate as it has aged.
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"Despite challenging financial times, it is right that we’re investing to bring the leisure centre back to its full glory – protecting a historic building for future generations, but more importantly providing modern leisure facilities that our communities deserve in a part of Hackney that is currently underserved."
The plans for the bath house have been developed by FaulknerBrowns, who also designed Hackney Council’s award-winning Britannia Leisure Centre.
Work on Kings Hall is expected to start in late 2025, with the leisure centre reopening for public use in 2028.
It is expected to cost as much as £71million, according to
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The current leisure centre has a pool in the main 'hall' of the building and originally, this was where the men's first class pool was.
Today, features from years gone by including ornamental rails, white brick, an open iron trussed roof are all still present.
The former ladie's pool was converted into what is now the sports hall, but still has an impressive hammerbemam roof.
The front of the building retains many of its original features including decorative iron railings and a staircase as visitors enter.
The stairs also feature decorate tiling and on the first floor, some rooms still have their original panelling.
The bath house originally opened in February 1897 and within the first five months, around 150,000 people had already used the baths.
Work was carried out on the baths in 1937, when Russian steam baths were installed.
In addition, the bath house was nearly destroyed in the late 1930s and again in the late 1960s, however plans were fortunately not pursued.
In the comments of a Facebook post from Hackney Council announcing the upcoming upgrade to the bath house, one user commented: "If Wes Anderson was beige."
Another added: "Amazing! Can’t wait!"
A third user said: "A historic venue for the real people of Hackney. I learnt how to swim in that pool!"
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London boasts several amazing bath houses, including this one which features three Turkish bath rooms.
Also, just minutes away from Covent Garden, there is a bath house where guests can soak in red wine.
