Much-loved Ironmonger Row Tukish Baths to get £16m revamp

Published: 26 March, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

Work to improve Islington’s much-loved Ironmonger Row Baths is to begin in May.

The Grade II-listed Turkish Baths, pool, gym and laundry complex is being given a huge £16million revamp by Islington Council and EC1 New Deal for Communities.

Work on the building, which is in Finsbury and dates from the 1930s,  includes:

• Improving the main pool’s heating, plumbing, ventilation and efficiency, and building a new bigger training pool.

• Restoring and refurbishing the famous Turkish Baths, with an expanded spa area

• Creating a new larger gym, and two new exercise studios. 

• Installing better changing rooms, a new entrance, and improving accessibility. 

In response to feedback from local residents, the new complex will continue to offer laundry facilities, as it has since it opened in 1931.

The centre will close in May so the work can begin and reopen in May 2012 in time for the Olympic Games.

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