London, UK (PRWEB UK) 22 July 2014 -- Guildmore dives into work at Poplar Baths
- Tower Hamlets signs £36m deal with Guildmore to transform Poplar Baths
- Estimated 100s of new jobs to be created
- New homes to be built
- Guildmore to construct a state-of-the-art leisure development at Poplar Baths
- Plus new Haileybury Youth Centre at Dame Colet
On 26 June 2014, Tower Hamlets Council signed a £36m deal with Guildmore to transform Poplar Baths and Haileybury Youth Centre with Dame Colet into the East End’s newest leisure centre and housing development. The result will bring new facilities for the community as well as a much needed housing development plus powerful investment into Tower Hamlets.
After careful planning and consultations with Tower Hamlets Council and local residents, Guildmore is launching into action to transform Poplar Baths and nearby Dame Colet into an exciting new community youth centre and residential apartments.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman said: “We are committed to ensuring that Tower Hamlets residents have access to excellent housing and community facilities. This fantastic development will also see a beautiful building restored back to its former glory.”
The project will see the restoration of Poplar Baths – a Grade II listed building and former swimming pool opposite Chrisp Street market, designed by Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects. There will be an additional 60 new council homes designed by CZWG Architects at this site. Plus the development of Dame Colet House - a former housing block which is no longer in use – with CZWG & Steven Bradbury Architects and nearby Haileybury Youth Centre in Stepney, also with Pringle Richards Sharratt.
“This is a significant investment deal for London and will boost employment and growth in the borough. I am delighted that Tower Hamlets are investing in the local community and providing homes, jobs and leisure facilities to young and old in the area,” said Engin Ertosun, Managing Director, Guildmore.
English Heritage officials have already commented that they are very happy with how the development project is going.
Keen to involve local people with employment opportunities, building work is commencing to construct a new leisure centre that will bring health and fitness facilities to the community for generations to come.
Benefits of the regeneration of Poplar Baths
- 25m swimming pool
- sports hall
- gymnasium with studios and café
- new sports pitch
- activities for children and adults with disabilities including wheelchair basketball, amputee football, swimming galas and holiday programmes
- conservation of the prestigious Grade II listed building
New homes for rent will be available to local people.
At Dame Colet, Guildmore is building 40 new Council rented homes, from 1-4 bedrooms in an attractive car-free environment. Some properties are designed to provide disabled access. All the flats have separate kitchens and individual balconies to provide easy access to outside space.
As well as providing first-class leisure facilities and new homes in Poplar, Guildmore will provide:
- Work experience placements
- Job fairs and workshops
- Construction training for residents during the build
- Apprenticeships – arranged through Skillsmatch
- Local jobs – through local suppliers and subcontractors
- Activities to enhance employment prospects of young people
- "A great place to live"
These new homes and the regenerated baths facility will assist in meeting the council's vision of 'A great place to live'. This reflects London Borough of Tower Hamlet's continuing ambition to make the Borough a place where people are ‘proud to live, work and study’.
Cllr Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Development, said: “For over 25 years, this building has been empty and unused. I am delighted that under our administration the campaigning and wishes of local residents can finally be realised, and this fantastic building will once more play its vital role in the heart of our borough.”
Guildmore are working closely with the TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL to achieve quality affordable housing, set in a clean and safe neighbourhood, served by well-connected travel facilities and within easy access of services and community facilities. And the East End is looking forward to the results.
Wendy Allen, +44 7588543280, [email protected]
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