Camberwell Public Baths facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camberwell Public Baths |
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The Baths in 2005
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| 51°28′28″N 0°05′26″W / 51.47435°N 0.09056°W | |
| Address | Camberwell Leisure Centre, Artichoke Place, off Camberwell Church Street |
| Postcode | SE5 8TS |
| Opened | 1 October 1892 |
| Operated by | Everyone Active |
| Architect | Spalding & Cross |
| Status | Grade II listed (1993) |
| Facilities | |
| Exercise studio, swimming pool, gym | |
The Camberwell Public Baths (also known as Camberwell Baths or Camberwell Leisure Centre) first opened its doors in 1892. It has always been a public place for swimming and fun, supported by the community.
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What is Camberwell Leisure Centre?
Today, the building is called the Camberwell Leisure Centre. It has a gym and a swimming pool. The centre is run by Everyone Active with Southwark Council. You can go for a swim, take swimming lessons, play badminton, or even have a children's party here!
One of the original two swimming pools is now covered over. It is used as a sports hall. The other pool has been made into two parts. There is a main pool that is 25 metres long. There is also a shallow pool, 10 metres wide, used mostly for teaching lessons. The pool has changing rooms for boys and girls, plus a special family changing room.
The baths were fully updated and reopened in early 2011. The outside walls are in a style called Flemish Renaissance. They are protected as a Grade II listed building.
The leisure centre is open most days. It is free for Southwark Council residents to use the pool and gym on Fridays and after 2 PM on weekends. This is part of a special program across the area.
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2007 Friends of Camberwell Baths campaign march through Camberwell.
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The dilapidated showers before refurbishment in 2009
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The swimming pool shortly before public re-opening in February 2011
Why People Campaigned for the Baths
A group called Friends of Camberwell Baths started in 1998. They wanted to stop the baths from closing down. In 2006, the local council planned to spend money to fix up the baths. By 2007, they decided to provide £1.5 million to keep the centre open.
Modern Updates and Renovations
In 2009, £1.45 million was confirmed for improvements. The total money for fixing up the centre was £4.7 million. More funds came from other programs. The building closed for renovations in November 2009.
The pools reopened on February 28, 2011. There was a big opening event in March 2011. The entrance, reception, and cafe areas were also updated. They now have wheelchair access.
What Was Improved?
- The centre now follows rules for people with disabilities. This includes a hearing loop and support for people with sight problems.
- A new divider separates the pools. A special lift helps people with disabilities get into the water. There are also new family and disabled changing rooms.
- The building is now more energy-efficient. The pool area, windows, and roof were improved. New energy-saving lights and air systems were installed. A special filter uses ultraviolet light to reduce the need for chlorine. This makes the water better.
- The changing rooms now meet guidelines from Sport England.
The gym was also updated. It reopened in 2016 with more space for people to work out.
History of Camberwell Baths
In 1887, a group of people were asked to build three public baths in Camberwell. One of these was the Camberwell Public Baths. Another bath, Dulwich Public Baths, opened in 1891. Later, more baths opened in other parts of the area.
Camberwell Public Baths officially opened on October 1, 1892. It cost £28,575 to build. It had two large swimming pool halls.
Original Facilities in 1892
- Men's First Class: 24 private baths and a large swimming pool (about 36 meters by 11 meters) with 81 changing areas.
- Men's Second Class: 40 private baths and another large swimming pool (about 36 meters by 11 meters) with 65 changing areas.
- Ladies First Class: 12 private baths.
- Ladies Second Class: 20 private baths.
- Public Laundry: 78 washing areas.
- Establishment Laundry: For the baths' own use.
The original ticket booth is still in the building's entrance. Camberwell was one of the first baths to have electric lighting. It even had its own power generator!
Opening Day Celebration
On October 1, 1892, the baths had a grand opening. The Lord Mayor of London came with a big parade. There was music and a guard of honor. Important guests included local politicians and the architects.
The chairman, James Tresidder Sears, hoped the baths would bring "better health, brighter homes and happier lives." After a speech, boys from local schools took the first plunge into the pool. There were also swimming shows and a water polo match.
Other Uses and Events
During winter, the swimming pools were covered with floors. This allowed the baths to be used for other things. Camberwell Baths hosted indoor cricket, tennis, dances, and concerts.
During World War II, the pools were kept full of water. This was to provide water for firefighters. After the war, dances started again. The council even held its own dances on holidays.
The baths were also a place for public meetings. For example:
- In 1906, a large crowd gathered to hear about a local election victory.
- In 1908, an exhibition of protest banners by women's rights groups was held.
- In 1934, a local government election meeting took place.
Images for kids
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Old Camberwell Baths on Wells Way
