Restoring Ladywell Playtower
Ladywell Playtower, an impressive Victorian Bath House built in 1884, is one of the country’s earliest public swimming pools and a fine example of Gothic architecture. After years of neglect following its closure and subsequent fire damage, the Council launched a fresh Restoration Partner Search to breathe new life into this historic site for generations to come.
Have your say on the proposals
The community is being asked to have their say on the shortlisted proposals for its restoration and future use. Your input will help ensure that future plans reflect local aspirations and celebrate the building’s heritage. Have your say and get involved before 9am Monday 16 November by completing the online survey.
Want to find out more?
Find out more about each proposal and meet the bidders by joining our upcoming in person event on Thursday 15 October, between 3pm and 8pm, at St Mary’s Centre (Ladywell Rd, London SE13 7UW).
Online survey on the shortlisted proposals
Ladywell Playtower is a much-loved local landmark, and this is your chance to help shape its future.
Earlier this year, we asked the community what they wanted to see at Ladywell Playtower. Hundreds of people responded, calling for a community-focused space with affordable activities that respects the building's heritage.
The Council has since shortlisted four proposals from organisations:
Now, we want the community to tell us what they think about the shortlisted proposals and which organisation should be chosen as the Council's preferred restoration partner.
Share your views
From Monday 5 October to 9am Monday 16 November, we want you to share your views on the proposals.
Through our online survey, we're asking for your feedback on:
- how well each proposal would restore the building and benefit the community
- how likely you would be to visit
- your preferred proposals
There are four questions in the survey. It shouldn't take longer than 10 minutes to complete.
If you need assistance completing the survey or would like the survey in a different format, please email playtower@lewisham.gov.uk or call the freephone line 020 8314 3130.
More about the Restoration Partner Search process
Lewisham Council is launching a new Restoration Partner Search to bring the Grade II listed Ladywell Playtower back to life and secure its future for generations to come.
This process follows Lewisham Council ending a previous agreement established before the COVID pandemic which did not make the progress we expected. A new partner is now sought with a process that will run from December 2025 to late 2026, with us aiming to identify a committed partner with a viable proposal for the building’s renewal and reuse.
Community input to guide process
Community input will be central throughout. Residents have been invited to share ideas for the building’s future use initially with a public consultation in late 2026. These insights are key to making sure the plans reflect local aspirations and respect the building’s historic value.
The selection process will follow two stages:
Stage one: community feedback survey, expressions of interest and shortlisting (round 1)
Community feedback survey
During this first stage, the community was invited to share ideas for the future use of the space by completing the initial community feedback survey,
These anonymous findings were shared with potential partners to help guide them in shaping a viable plan that reflects the community's aspirations for this historic building.
Expression of interest process for potential partners
The Council invited potential partners to complete an expression of interest process for the development and reuse of Ladywell Playtower. Expressions of interest outlined a vision that balances development feasibility with community priorities.
Shortlisting (round 1)
In the first round of shortlisting, the Council identified those best suited to progress to the next bidding round and feedback to successful potential partners.
Stage two: method statement submission and bidder selection (round 2)
Method statements and further details
The Council collected in-depth method statements and details from shortlisted partners, including:
- proposed works schedule and detailed delivery strategy
- timescales, funding options
- financial records
- long term business plan
Shortlisting (round 2)
Following this process, a second round shortlisting exercise took place, evaluating the remaining submissions.
Public consultation on shortlisted proposals
From 5 October until 16 November, the Council is hosting a public consultation on the shortlisted proposals.
Mayor and Cabinet review
A report to Mayor and Cabinet will be reviewed later in 2026 and will include feedback on the stage two shortlisted proposals and community feedback findings from earlier in 2026.