Manor Place Depot, Southwark
Bringing a grade II listed former bathhouse back into community use through the creation of a unique indoor sport and recreation facility
We have been providing built heritage advice on the refurbishment and redevelopment of Manor Place Depot, a grade II listed former public baths complex in Southwark, since 2015.
Our involvement began with the wider regeneration of the site, which included the redevelopment of parts of the former depot and baths complex alongside the delivery of new residential accommodation around the historic bathhouse. This early phase established a framework for the long-term conservation and reuse of the listed buildings, helping to secure their future as part of the revitalised neighbourhood.
Working closely with Palace Skateboards and the wider project team, we have helped unlock a series of sensitive interventions that support the long-term reuse and preservation of this distinctive historic building.
Our role has included advising on Listed Building Consent applications for office fit-out works, the installation of temporary artists’ studios and, most recently, proposals for a new multi-purpose indoor sport and recreation facility within the historic bathhouse. Throughout the project, we have drawn upon our detailed understanding of the building’s history, architectural significance and heritage value to help shape proposals that respect and celebrate its historic character.
Transformational redevelopment
The latest phase of redevelopment transforms the former swimming pool hall into a vibrant recreational destination, featuring a sunken football pitch located within the footprint of the historic pool and a skatepark at ground level. The design has been carefully developed to retain an appreciation of the highly significant bathhouse space while accommodating contemporary uses that will attract a new generation of visitors.
By balancing the requirements of a modern sporting facility with the conservation needs of a listed building, the project demonstrates how heritage assets can be successfully adapted to meet changing community needs. Our advice helped ensure that the significance of the former baths remained central to the design approach, safeguarding the building’s special architectural and historic interest while enabling its sustainable future.
Heritage-led regeneration
Listed Building Consent for the multi-purpose indoor sport and recreation facility was successfully secured, and the facility has since been delivered. The scheme not only restores activity and public access to a previously underused part of the building, but also secures investment in the refurbishment of the historic bathhouse, helping to preserve it for future generations.
The completed development has brought Manor Place Depot back into active community use, creating a distinctive destination where sport, recreation and heritage come together. The project illustrates the value of informed heritage-led regeneration, ensuring that this important Southwark landmark continues to be appreciated and enjoyed while remaining protected for the future.
Victoria Bellamy
Associate Director, Heritage and Townscape
