New £16million vision is unveiled for historic London baths

Striking plans have been drawn up showing how Islington's well-loved Ironmonger Row Baths could look after a £16million refit.

The Turkish Baths, pool and gym complex is being given a £16million makeover by Islington Council and EC1 New Deal for Communities in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Under the plans, drawn up by local firm Tim Ronalds Architects, historic features from the Grade II-listed building, which dates back to 1931, would be restored.

Both the main pool and training pool would be completely renovated, together with new plumbing, more efficient heating and ventilation.

The cramped gym would be replaced with a bigger, modern 60-station facility, and two new exercise studios added for fitness classes.

Full planning proposals for the ambitious project have now been drawn up and residents are being invited to give their views.

The work is being funded with more than £12million investment from Islington Council and £3.7million investment from EC1 New Deal for Communities.

Cllr Ruth Polling, Islington Council's executive member for leisure and equalities, said: "Ironmonger Row Baths has been at the heart of the EC1 community since it opened in 1931 and is loved by local residents.

"I am delighted that the council has produced plans to ensure it can continue to serve the community into the future.

"We consulted residents in 2007 to ask what they wanted from the refurbishment, and these fantastic plans reflect what we were told.

"I hope residents will let us know what they think of the plans and continue to work with us to make them happen."

Kirby Swales, EC1 New Deal for Communities chief executive, said: "The NDC’s investment is all about ensuring residents here have top-quality leisure facilities.

"These bold new designs will inspire more local people to use the Baths when they re-open."

Pre-planning consultation on the plans runs from 12-26 October.

Residents can discuss the plans with the architects on the following dates: Wednesday 14 October, 12-3pm at St Luke’s Centre, 90 Central Street; Thursday 15 October, 12-2pm Ironmonger Row Baths, and 5-8pm, Finsbury Library, 245 St John Street; Saturday 17 October, 1-4pm Ironmonger Row Baths; Tuesday 20 October, 11am-2pm Ironmonger Row Baths; Wednesday 21 October, 5-7pm, Ironmonger Row Baths; Thursday 22 October, 12-2pm, Whitecross Street Market; Saturday 24 October, 1-4pm, Finsbury Leisure Centre.

Residents and businesses near the baths, and all registered users, are being given brochures and consultation forms they can return to the council with their comments via Freepost.

They can also register views online by completing a form at www.islington.gov.uk/irb

A planning application will then be submitted to Islington Council on November 10.