Marshall Street Baths
Encyclopedia
The Marshall Street Baths (or Westminster Public Baths) in Westminster
, London, were built in 1850. They were closed for refurbishment in 1997 and re-opened on 27 July 2010 as a modernised leisure centre. The building is noted for its architecture and is Grade II listed.
in 1850. The proposal for the baths is mentioned in Public Baths and Wash-houses (1850) and suggests the baths follow a model of 64 first and second class baths, 60 washing compartments, 60 separate drying chambers, 16 ironing compartments and 2 large plunge baths (1st and 2nd class). The land for the Westminster baths was costed at £3,500 including a house for the superintendent. The highest charges were fixed by the Sir Henry Dukinfield's Act at 6d
for first class warm bath, 2d for second class warm bath (half these prices for a cold bath) and with charges of 1d/hour for washing, drying and ironing apparatus.
The present building, then known as The Westminster Public Baths, was started in 1928 and completed in 1931. Public funds financed the construction for the health and well being of local people. The main swimming pool was lined with white Sicilian marble and this marble as well as Swedish green marble were used on the walls at either end. A bronze fountain in a niche
at the shallow end, depicting a merchild
with two dolphins, was designed by Walter Gilbert
. Behind the main pool was a smaller pool, the 'second class bath', which measured 70 ft x 30 ft' covered by a barrel vault
ed roof. Initially, the complex also included a child's welfare centre, a public laundry and public washing facilities.
and were closed by the Council in 1997. The site underwent refurbishment by Marshall Street Regeneration Ltd and re-opened as part of a Nuffield Health
leisure centre on 27 July 2010. The facilities include a gym, steam room, sauna, dance and exercise studios. The renovated 1930s swimming pool still has its original marble lined floors and barrel-vaulted ceiling.
City of Westminster
The City of Westminster is a London borough occupying much of the central area of London, England, including most of the West End. It is located to the west of and adjoining the ancient City of London, directly to the east of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and its southern boundary...
, London, were built in 1850. They were closed for refurbishment in 1997 and re-opened on 27 July 2010 as a modernised leisure centre. The building is noted for its architecture and is Grade II listed.
Background
The first public baths were built on the site by the Vestry of St. JamesParochial Church Council
The parochial church council , is the executive body of a Church of England parish.-Powers and duties:Two Acts of Parliament define the powers and duties of PCCs...
in 1850. The proposal for the baths is mentioned in Public Baths and Wash-houses (1850) and suggests the baths follow a model of 64 first and second class baths, 60 washing compartments, 60 separate drying chambers, 16 ironing compartments and 2 large plunge baths (1st and 2nd class). The land for the Westminster baths was costed at £3,500 including a house for the superintendent. The highest charges were fixed by the Sir Henry Dukinfield's Act at 6d
Penny
A penny is a coin or a type of currency used in several English-speaking countries. It is often the smallest denomination within a currency system.-Etymology:...
for first class warm bath, 2d for second class warm bath (half these prices for a cold bath) and with charges of 1d/hour for washing, drying and ironing apparatus.
The present building, then known as The Westminster Public Baths, was started in 1928 and completed in 1931. Public funds financed the construction for the health and well being of local people. The main swimming pool was lined with white Sicilian marble and this marble as well as Swedish green marble were used on the walls at either end. A bronze fountain in a niche
Niche (architecture)
A niche in classical architecture is an exedra or an apse that has been reduced in size, retaining the half-dome heading usual for an apse. Nero's Domus Aurea was the first semi-private dwelling that possessed rooms that were given richly varied floor plans, shaped with niches and exedras;...
at the shallow end, depicting a merchild
Mermaid
A mermaid is a mythological aquatic creature with a female human head, arms, and torso and the tail of a fish. A male version of a mermaid is known as a "merman" and in general both males and females are known as "merfolk"...
with two dolphins, was designed by Walter Gilbert
Walter Gilbert (sculptor)
Walter Gilbert was an English sculptor.-Biography:Walter Gilbert was born in Rugby, England. He studied at the Birmingham Municipal School of Art under Benjamin Creswick in the early 1890s....
. Behind the main pool was a smaller pool, the 'second class bath', which measured 70 ft x 30 ft' covered by a barrel vault
Barrel vault
A barrel vault, also known as a tunnel vault or a wagon vault, is an architectural element formed by the extrusion of a single curve along a given distance. The curves are typically circular in shape, lending a semi-cylindrical appearance to the total design...
ed roof. Initially, the complex also included a child's welfare centre, a public laundry and public washing facilities.
Redevelopment
Marshall Street baths are owned by the City of WestminsterCity of Westminster
The City of Westminster is a London borough occupying much of the central area of London, England, including most of the West End. It is located to the west of and adjoining the ancient City of London, directly to the east of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and its southern boundary...
and were closed by the Council in 1997. The site underwent refurbishment by Marshall Street Regeneration Ltd and re-opened as part of a Nuffield Health
Nuffield Health
Nuffield Health is a non-profit organisation in the United Kingdom, established in 1957, which operates a range of health and wellbeing facilities including Nuffield Health Hospitals and Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centres.It is independent of the National Health Service and is constituted...
leisure centre on 27 July 2010. The facilities include a gym, steam room, sauna, dance and exercise studios. The renovated 1930s swimming pool still has its original marble lined floors and barrel-vaulted ceiling.