Haggerston Baths, Hackney, London

Architect	Alfred Cross
Date Built	1904
Location	Whiston Road
Description
The foundation stone for Haggerston Baths was laid in 1903 and the baths opened a year later. The building contained a single swimming pool, 91 slipper baths and 60 washhouse stalls. Hackney Council produced an Historic Building Report about it in 1988 which describes it as being construced of, "Soft red brick in English Bond, with Portland stone dressings (and ) slate roofs. Single swimming pool, men's and women's slipper baths, some removed, annexed laundry and chimney. Impressive south elevation. Central pedimented section of 5 bays, 3 bay wings, slightly set back, to left and right; 4 bay wing arranged 1:2:1 to left, the central section set forward and emphasized by sweeping concave quoins. Two storeys, cellars and attics. Stone quoins, moulded stone entablature with dentil cornice, central pedimented section has ashlar basement with central round-headed window with eared architrave and a bay-leaf dripmould, flanked by men's and women's entrances. Each an open pedimented doorway with cartouche bearing lion motif in relief. Doors now blocked. .... ... In tympanum (see below), round-headed window with eared architrave in stone, flanked by stone relief panels with reclining female figure. Shallow balcony railings. .... ... Cupola with Ionic columns and leaded dome, set on square tower to rear of pediment has gilded ship finial." The Historic Buildings report concluded with an update, as of 1988, on the state of the building. It said, "Single bath now divided to form small learning pool at north end. 8 bay steel-framed roof of curved members between which are 3 panelled sections to each side of longitudinal top-lit glazed roof. Original amphitheatre setting with changing cubicles above was replaced probably 1960's. Slipper baths, replaced 1930's survive to women's section to right. Men's baths removed to create training area. Former foyer reordered, removing ticket office. 1980's refurbishment to left. Original panelled doors survive to upper floors. Old Lancashire boilers-remain in basement, now superceded, with former adjoining workshop." The Haggerston Baths closed in 2000 and at the time its future was described as indetermined. When I took these images in 2013 that appeared to still be the case since it was boarded up, although the scaffolding at one end did suggest some work was underway. An article on the "eastlondonlines.co.uk" websites, posted by Chris Dillon, on March 8, 2013, gives a flavour of the situation. "Haggerston Pool Community Trust are “determined” to move forward with plans to reopen the swimming baths it was revealed this week. Over 50 residents, architects, council members and technology specialists attended the meeting on March 7 to voice their opinions and ideas concerning the Grade II listed building, which was first opened in 1904. Haggerston Pool closed in February 2000 for health and safety reasons. The council had planned to sell the land to allow for a housing development, but were halted by extensive campaigning from the Haggerston Pool Action Group and the local community. A feasibility study carried out in 2006 determined that £21 million would be needed to reopen the pool as a wellness centre complete with gym, GP, dentist and hydrotherapy. The Department of Children, Schools and Families awarded £5.1 million towards the refurbishment of the pool, but the recession prevented any further action and the project was abandoned. ......... It is estimated that more than £400,000 is needed to prevent the building from falling into further disrepair."

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