| |
Historic baths hope with £25m scheme
Restored leisure centre could be open by spring 2009
A MULTI-MILLION pound plan to redevelop a historic swimming pool in Soho that has been closed for more than a decade is out for public consultation.
The Marshall Street baths, which opened in 1928, will be restored under the £25-million plans.
Marshall Street Leisure Centre is a Grade-II listed building that has been on English Heritage’s ‘buildings at risk’ register.
The council has signed a contract with a consortium, called Marshall Street Regeneration Limited, made up of developers Resolution Property plc and the Vinyl Factory Gallery.
They will finance the development of the site.
The council under the plans wins £3.5 million from the developers and £2.3 million from the sale of two leases.
The site proposals include:
n The restoration of the listed Marshall Street Leisure Centre building.
n Restoration of the marble–lined main pool.
n A new gym and two exercise class/dance studios.
n Studio workspace and a maximum of 75 flats with up to 30 per cent affordable housing.
Alan Read, from the Friends of Marshall Street, said: “We are delighted at the first really positive news for nine years. I think it is a tragedy to lose the smaller pool but we have to recognise it is part of the deal. Only by developing the smaller pool can the deal go through so I’m afraid we have to accept it.”
Public swimming baths have been on the site since 1852, and the proposed renovation will bring the facility back into public use, creating a variety of modern community leisure facilities. It was closed for safety reasons in 1997 and could open as soon as spring 2009 if works start in January as planned.
Councillor Daniel Astaire, community chief, said: “These proposals would ensure this stunning and historic site is restored to its former glory. Not only would there be a fine swimming pool, gym and health suite for the community to enjoy, but the whole complex would be redeveloped.
“We are very keen for the local community to give us their views as we want to involve them in the whole process.” |
 |
| |
