|
|
 |
| |
| We can’t afford to pull
plug on beloved baths |
Gerry Harrison is writing a history of
the threatened Kentish Town Baths. Here, he explains the bath’s
unique heritage
|
A gymnastic display at the baths
The listed building
Cllr Gerry Harrison
|
IN recent years, Camden Council has achieved something of a record
in promoting buildings of superior design.
The popularity of Hampstead Theatre, Talacre Sports Centre, Camden
Arts Centre and Swiss Cottage Library all spring to mind. The more
controversial Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre is also likely to confound
its critics.
However, the Town Hall is less convincing in its support of older
buildings. Now the Prince of Wales Road baths are under threat,
evoking memories of the library closure dispute of 1999, and it
will probably create as big a reaction from users.
Then, the proposal to close three libraries was bravely defeated
and, ever since, Camden’s libraries’ provision has become
a success story.
The council closed the laundry last year with little warning. It
cannot wash its hands of the baths as a whole.
During my 11 years as a councillor there have been a steady succession
of proposals for this building, which is recognised as requiring
major adaptation but within the limits of its grade-II listed status.
Some of these proposals, led by surveys, dreamed up by architects
and controlled by consultants, have been inappropriate and occasionally
inept, while some have had merit.
The only thing in common has been a lack of funding or commitment
to engage in the work. The latest series of options, now maybe too
late, are no more remarkable than the others, except for their astonishing
cost: £25.9 million as one option and £28.9m as another
must both hit the jackpot.
Listed building restrictions and the building’s age are given
as the reasons. So, housing could be added in a public/private partnership
to reduce the figure to some £17 million. I am convinced that
an imaginative architect could produce something far cheaper, which
will keep the original building in use.
Housing should not replace increasingly precious leisure space just
to make the restoration of this building “fit for purpose”.
The first public baths in Britain were opened in Liverpool in 1842.
Following the agitation after the cholera epidemic in London of
1832, that great social reformer Lord Shaftesbury in 1845 promoted
baths to promote “cleanliness among the poor”. In October
1901, when the Prince of Wales baths were opened, there was an aquatic
display featuring “ornamental swimming” by “an expert
troupe of ladies” and “a water polo match with international
players”.
These were the third public baths in the borough. After George Street
(near Tolmer’s Square) off Hampstead Road, King Street (now
Plender Street) in Camden Town and Whitfield Street in Bloomsbury.
This one boasted four pools and a public wash-house with 50 washing
compartments.
There were 129 individual slipper baths, which were important for
improving public health. Few homes locally then afforded anything
other than the weekly tin bath, filled by kettles.
These facilities were lavish. Men could use two (Olympic-sized)
swimming baths of 100 by 30 feet, lined with glazed bricks and with
a Terrazzo laid floor.
A diving stage was provided together with one of “Professor
Newton’s water chutes”.
Surrounding it was a gallery which could seat 450 people. In winter
the baths could be floored and used for concerts and other entertainments.
Club-rooms were located alongside, with an entrance in Willes Road,
which could also become artistes’ dressing-rooms.
Located close to the Fleet River, which was in underground culverts,
the water was provided by artesian wells.
The building was listed in 1974 and its architect, Thomas W Aldwinckle,
who designed baths in Lewisham and a work-house in Lambeth, produced
a late Victorian flamboyance, faced with Lawrence’s red brick
with Doulton terra cotta bands, cornices and dressings.
Its asymmetrical façade displays recessed stair turrets and
conical roofs. A dentil frieze encloses the building at the first
floor, with ‘St Pancras Public Baths Public Hall’ in gold
Art Nouveau lettering above the central entrances.
The building was fire-proof, with no timber joists and cost £77,698.
During the Great War, in spite of fuel rationing, the baths remained
open but with reduced hours. Water was heated by the system of a
circulating pump. Soldiers stationed in St Pancras were allowed
to use the baths on favourable terms.
Other activities continued alongside swimming. Canoeing, sub-aqua
diving and water polo remained in the pool, while gymnastics, concerts
and meetings, including one by Labour leader Ramsay MacDonald were
held when a pool was floored over.
During World War II the baths were closed. The water was required
by the Auxiliary Fire Service and the building could not be blacked
out.
Unfortunately, both the damaged Plender Street and Whitfield Street
baths were demolished soon after the war because they had damaged
structures. But the two men’s swimming baths in Prince of Wales
Road were re-opened.
By 1949 one of the women’s baths had become a permanent hall
and the second was converted into a refreshment room. The wash house
was also modernised.
The baths welcomed film companies, for locations for Quadrophenia
for example.More recently swimming has become something of a hazard.
Excessive use of chlorine, dirty and broken tiles and the fall of
a “lump of concrete” from the roof of the Willes pool
have damaged confidence, but with the temporary closure of the baths
at Swiss Cottage, there is now no shortage of users.
Other activities such as aerobics, acupuncture and therapeutic massage
have also proliferated.
After the plug was pulled on George Street, King Street and Whitfield
Street, it would be a tragedy if Prince of Wales Road were to follow.
Thousands have learned to swim here, and this activity has now become
a statutory requirement. This fine building is at the heart of Camden’s
heritage. Elected members should listen to residents rather than
consultants, stand firm and find ways to maintain these baths for
another 100 years.
• A History of Kentish Town Baths will be published next
year.
Gerry Harrison is a Camden Councillor. |
|
Get to work on your tannin
BORDEAUX winemakers – long regarded as the world’s greatest
– are in trouble. Government health campaigns and strict enforcement
of French drink driving laws are causing a dramatic decrease in French
wine consumption.
FULL STORY
It all comes down to cash
AFTER confessing to not being able to swim the other week, I was deluged
with offers of help.
FULL STORY
|
