South London building abandoned for 22 years is finally getting an upgrade

In the Victorian age, one bathhouse in South London was the place to be.

Built in 1884, Ladywell Playtower had a grand bathing hall, and served as a place for normal, working-class people to bathe.

These days, though, what was once a thriving social hub is now an abandoned building, with crumbling walls and spider webs.

The windows are smashed, and the insides are decorated with graffiti.

Its condition wasn’t helped by a fire in 2006, which damaged much of the main pool hall.

But now, new plans are set to revive Ladywell Playtower – and Lewisham council is asking local residents to share their thoughts.

While nothing is set in stone for the building’s future, the renovation could take four different directions.

Not all of them would restore it as a bathhouse – and that’s where locals’ views come in.

What are the proposals for Ladywell Playtower?

The first idea, and perhaps closest to its original intention, would see the site fixed up and transformed into a spa, with extra creative space for the community.

This proposal has been fronted by Hackit Design CIC, a Black-led social enterprise specialising in inclusive design. As well as providing accessible hydrotherapy and space facilities, the organisation’s plans would see the building offer co-working spaces and a community garden.

Alternatively, charity Liquid Listening also has a few ideas. This plan also features a hydrotherapy pool, as well as saunas and SEN baths.

Meanwhile, the Lewisham-based Rural Urban Synthesis Society (RUSS) has envisaged turning the space into The Playtower Commons, with hopes for it to serve as a multi-use community space.

RUSS sees it becoming ‘Ladywell’s new public living room,’ with classes, markets, and community-led events all taking place inside.

Finally, Turner Works has suggested turning the building into PlayWell, which would offer performance spaces, studios for creatives, a cafe, and space for community workshops.

At the moment, Lewisham Council is seeking the opinions of South Londoners, who will be asked to choose their preferred proposal.

This will close on November 16, after which the Mayor of London and the Cabinet will review the results and provide feedback.

Because the plans haven’t been decided on yet, there aren’t any indications as to how much a project like this might cost. It largely depends on the outcome of the public consultation, and which direction it heads in.

However, a few years ago, alternative plans for Ladywell Playtower’s future attempted to see the site converted into a four-screen cinema, with extra space for 33 homes.

This project never came to fruition, as the developer struggled with funding costs, initially projected at around £4.5 million.

Councillor Daniel Dream, cabinet member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, said of the new plans: ‘This is a really positive step in restoring this historic building and making sure it’s looked after for the long term. I’m excited about the Playtower’s potential.

‘Working with my new Ladywell ward councillors, we’ll make sure local people are right at the heart of what happens next, so it becomes a place we can all feel proud of for generations to come.’

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