Haggerston Baths

Haggerston Baths stands in Haggerston, a district of the London Borough of Hackney. Built in 1904 at a cost of £60,000, the complex originally housed a single pool, ninety-one slipper baths and a wash house with sixty stalls. Designed by Alfred Cross, the Grade II listed pool closed in 2000 and faced an uncertain future. A £5 million grant from the Department for Children, Schools and Families was announced in June 2009 to refurbish and reopen the pool alongside community facilities and a GP surgery. Michael Gallie played a key role in surveying the building and creating 3D model sketches for the project. Funding was withdrawn after the 2009 financial downturn, forcing Hackney Borough Council to drop plans for reopening. The Haggerston Baths campaign regrouped to seek new financial backing and public support. By January 2023 it became clear that any restoration would no longer include the swimming baths. The building remains an important local landmark. Its grand Edwardian architecture still dominates the street scene. Inside, the original layout reflects the social needs of the early 20th century. Community groups continue to use parts of the facility for activities unrelated to swimming. The surrounding streets show signs of ongoing regeneration in this part of East London.