Purcell among practices proposing fresh ideas for derelict site after redevelopment scheme fell through last year
Four design teams have unveiled designs for the redevelopment of a grade II-listed Victorian baths in south London following a competition launched by the local council.
Purcell, Latitude Architects, Turner Works and Hackit Design were shortlisted for the scheme at the derelict Ladywell Playtower in Lewisham earlier this year.
Opened in 1884, Ladywell Playtower is one of London’s earliest surviving public baths, built in a brick gothic revival style with a distinctive round water tower which was originally topped with a conical roof.
Plans by Maccreanor Lavington and Pringle Richards Sharratt to convert the building into a cinema and build two housing blocks on the site were approved in 2022 but the scheme stalled due to viability issues.
Lewisham council rescinded the consent from developer Guildmore last year because of what it said was the firm’s “inability” to deliver the project before launching a search for a new development partner to repurpose the historic landmark.
Shortlisted designs for the site, unveiled this week, range from returning the building to its original bathhouse use to transforming it into a family theatre.
Hackit Design, supported by Maxwell Ward Architectural + Design, is proposing an inclusive wellbeing centre topped with a glazed diagrid roof.
The proposal includes separate pools for men and women, a mixed pool hall, thermal baths, saunas and steam rooms, therapy baths, treatment rooms, sensory rooms, a cafe and lounge, community kitchen, events hall and co-working space.
Purcell’s plans, designed for charity Liquid Listening, would create a health and wellbeing complex for disabled children, young people and adults offering musical hydrotherapy treatments.
The scheme would also contain a large partially outdoor public bath, two saunas, a performance and event space, a diving tank, a cafe, a juice bar and research space for Goldsmiths and Greenwich universities.
Latitude is proposing a mixed-use scheme designed for Rural Urban Synthesis Society (RUSS), which would convert the bathhouse building into a flexible community space for performances, markets and events.
The proposal includes 11 affordable later living homes, a nursery, an apprentices’ training academy, a cafe, outdoor saunas and a new public green space.
Turner Works shortlist entry would take a similar community-focused approach, turning the site into an inclusive public space which would transform the main pool hall into a venue for family-friendly performances and events.
The scheme would also include affordable homes, a community sauna, creative studios, a nursery and maker spaces.
Lewisham council has launched a public consultation on the four shortlisted proposals which will run until 16 November. The online survey will be supplemented by a drop in event on Thursday 15 October at St Mary’s Centre on Ladywell Road.
Councillor Daniel Dream said the local authority was “determined to move forward at pace” to get the redevelopment of the site back on track.
“This loved historic building has incredible potential and has stood empty for far too long. It’s excellent that, after years of inaction, the community can finally see detailed proposals on how to bring it back to life,” he said.
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