Grade-II renovation: iconic Haggerston baths set for £25m transformation into a space for new shops, bars and exhibitions

East London’s iconic old Haggerston swimming baths are to be given a new lease of life. The building, which closed in 2000 and is semi-derelict, is to be transformed into a multi-use space with shops, restaurants, exhibition areas and workspace.

Hackney council has spent about £2 million on securing and maintaining Grade II-listed Haggerston Baths since its closure. But despite this investment, the building has fallen into serious disrepair, having been repeatedly invaded by squatters and used for illegal raves.

Now the council is set to sign an agreement with Castleforge Partners to redevelop the Edwardian baths, which were built in 1904, after failing to find anyone willing to invest in bringing the building back to life as a swimming pool. Renovation will cost an estimated £25 million.

The council opted for Castleforge as the developer after holding a mini-referendum on the future of the building, inviting local residents to choose between a series of options. The idea of shops and restaurants on a site which once included a grand vaulted pool, public washrooms and slipper baths clearly appealed more than a rival bid, from London and Regional, which proposed a boutique hotel and a “new business hub”.

However, some local residents were determined the building should retain its original purpose. Campaigners from Save Haggerston Pool pronounced themselves “bitterly disappointed” at the council’s conclusion that it was not economically feasible to revive the swimming pool.

A destination building will help boost Haggerston’s profile and fortunes, which have been on the rise since the opening of its East London line station in 2010. House prices across Hackney have accelerated more quickly than any other borough in the last 10 years.