Organisations with experience in complex heritage restoration and community-facing operations are invited to submit proposals to restore the landmark former Victorian bath house, which has been abandoned for more than 20 years.

Key aims of the project include restoring the historic structure while also creating a new community asset which is ‘deliverable, financially viable and shaped by local priorities’.

Lewisham Council axed plans by Maccreanor Lavington and Pringle Richards Sharratt (PRS) to turn the Grade II-listed former bath house into a cinema and housing, following funding issues last year.

James-J Walsh, Lewisham Council councillor and cabinet member for inclusive regeneration and planning, said: ‘Ladywell Playtower is part of who we are in Lewisham, a landmark that carries real local history and pride and a place I visited when I was younger.

‘After years of being left behind, we now have the chance to bring it back to life for the community.

‘For it to thrive again and into the long term, it needs a partner who can restore it properly, run it sustainably, and create a place that people will genuinely use. That is why we are starting with the community, before proposals are developed and before a partner is chosen.

‘The council is committed to finding a partner who shares our ambition to deliver without delay and restore this historic Grade II-listed building for generations to come.’

Constructed in 1884, the complex was originally known as Ladywell Baths and currently features two storeys and a basement. The baths hosted pool halls, slipper baths and function rooms but suffered fire damage in 2006.

The south-east London local authority announced in September that it was terminating an agreement with Bromley-based developer Guildmore to restore the 19th-century Ladywell Playtower.

Maccreanor Lavington worked on the residential elements to the south and east of the building, while PRS devised plans for restoring the former bathhouse and tower. Those plans were approved in November 2022.

However, the developer informed the council in December 2024 that rising costs and interest rates meant it could no longer finance the development and an accompanying S106 agreement.

Under PRS and Maccreanor Lavington’s approved scheme, a mix of affordable and private residential homes was to be built to help fund a four-screen cinema in the rest of the building. The Playtower has been empty for more than 20 years following the closure of a community centre in the building.

The council selected Guildmore in 2022 following a competitive process to find a private development partner to restore the 141-year-old building, which takes its name from the round tower on the site, believed to be infested with pigeons.

Developers, investors, occupiers and consortia are invited to submit expressions of interest for the latest restoration attempt.

Competition details

Project title Shape the future of Ladywell Playtower
Client Lewisham Council
Contract value TBC
First round deadline 28 February 2026​
Restrictions TBC
More information https://ladywell-playtower.commonplace.is/​