This PPP project with London Borough of Tower Hamlets consisted of the major regeneration and refurbishment of the grade II listed Poplar Baths building into a modern first-class community leisure centre and the construction of the Haileybury Community Centre, and affordable residential housing at Randall House (60 units), Dame Colet Court (25 units) and Baltonsborough Court (15 units). Construction was completed in 2016 and the concession runs until 2051.
The historic Poplar Baths building, on East India Dock Road in London, was first redeveloped in 1934 and remained a much-loved local landmark until its closure in 1988. The refurbished and restored facility now includes a 25m swimming pool, a learner pool, ‘vapour baths’, a Sports England standard sports hall, two studios for exercise classes, a gym and a rooftop multi use games area, whilst the historic features of this Grade II listed building have been protected and restored.
The Haileybury Community Centre, now a focal point for the local community, consists of a sports hall, a public viewing gallery, fitness & dance studio, rooms for art, IT, music and meetings, and a commercial grade kitchen to support ‘food tech’ training. It also features a state-of-the-art multi-use games area and rooftop pitch.
The residential housing units were designed and built in compliance with best practices to ensure excellence in design quality, amenities and sustainability, including the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, the London Housing Design Guide, Lifetime Homes and Secure by Design.
London Borough of Tower Hamlets is responsible for the operation of the leisure centre and the affordable housing units. BBGI is not responsible for letting risk or responsibilities within the residential units or the community centre.