Poplar Baths Leisure Centre Newly refurbished by Guildmore and ready to open
(PRWEB UK) 30 July 2016 -- Poplar Baths Leisure Centre, newly refurbished by Guildmore Ltd, officially opens on July 25th with an open day to the public on August 13th. This gleaming new addition to the East End introduces exciting new facilities to all the local community.
Popular at Poplar
Back in June 2014, Tower Hamlets Council signed an agreement with Guildmore Ltd to transform Poplar Baths into the East End’s newest Leisure Centre. The results have exceeded expectations and brought a new luxury facility to the community, as well as much needed regeneration and powerful investment into Tower Hamlets.
Claire Brady of Historic England comments: ‘We are delighted to have been part of the journey to bring this ‘Building at Risk’ and important piece of Poplar back to life. Thanks to such a fantastic project, people will now be able to enjoy its facilities as well as appreciate the history and value of such a magnificent building’
Liaising closely with Tower Hamlets Council and Historic England, Guildmore has worked with Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects and succeeded in transforming a derelict 1930s Grade II listed building back into a striking London landmark and destination by saving and celebrating the most magnificent original features.
Malcolm McGregor, Director at Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects states: ‘We are proud to have been involved in the rebirth of this wonderful building that can enhance a sense of civic pride in Poplar. With its colourful Art Deco entrance lobby, astonishing main hall, new pools and café we believe the centre makes a much needed contribution to the local community as a whole’
Top class leisure facilities
Poplar Baths Leisure Centre supports a varied programme of sports and activities and enhances the health and quality of life for local people of all ages. This includes activities for children and adults with disabilities such as: Badminton, Gymnastics, Trampolining and Netball.
As well as a 25m swimming pool and learner pool, Guildmore have constructed a new rooftop multi-use games area. A Sports England standard sports hall, large studio and gym with a women’s only area. This new leisure facility from Guildmore has been designed to reduce energy use and achieves a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standard.
Poplar Baths will be run for Tower Hamlets Council by GLL – the UK’s largest leisure charitable social enterprise – under its customer brand Better. The Better network spans more than 200 public sport and leisure centres and 57 libraries in partnership with more than 30 local councils, public agencies and sporting organisations. Better leisure facilities enjoy 40 million visitors a year and have more than 650,000 members.
“This is a significant investment for London and will boost employment and growth in the borough. I am delighted that Tower Hamlets have invested in the local community and providing homes, jobs and leisure facilities to young and old in the area”. Engin Ertosun, Managing Director, Guildmore Ltd.
The London Marathon Charitable Trust has provided a grant of £15,000 towards the purchase and installation of a Poolpod that allows those who are less able to get in and out of the pool easily to have greater level of independence and dignity. Sarah Ridley, Chief Grants Officer of the Trust, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide this equipment which will encourage users of all ages and abilities to get active.”
Notes to Editors
The London Marathon Charitable Trust was created in 1981 by Chris Brasher and John Disley, the founders of the London Marathon, to meet one of their founding aims to raise money for sport and recreational facilities. Their vision ensured that the profits from the London Marathon would go to The London Marathon Charitable Trust in perpetuity.
The Trust currently provides grants towards capital projects that inspire people to lead a more active lifestyle and increase the number of people regularly taking part in sports and physical activities.
The Trust is able to distribute grants in all areas where London Marathon Events Limited organises mass participation events: the 32 London boroughs and the City of London, Surrey, South Northamptonshire and Aylesbury Vale.
The total value of grants awarded by The Trust since 1981 is now over £62 million to more than 1,130 projects.
Wendy Allen, [email protected], +44 7588543280, [email protected]
Share this article