Picture the scene outside East Dulwich Leisure Centre. A red brick building stands before you. It has witnessed over a century of community life.
East Dulwich Leisure Centre first opened as Dulwich Public Baths in 1892. It was designed by Spalding and Cross. This building is more than just a place to swim. It is a Grade II listed building.
Dulwich Public Baths was the first of seven baths designed by Spalding & Cross. The foundation stone was laid in September 1891. There were delays. Changes to drainage plans occurred. There was also a union dispute. The dispute was about the quality of lime. It was being used in the concrete. Analysis found the lime to be up to standard. The opening was delayed until June 25, 1892.
Imagine the original layout of East Dulwich Leisure Centre. Two entrances separated men and women. Steps lead up to the main doors. A high basement housed a laundry.
Charges for a swim were 6d for first class. Second class cost 2d. Class determined the pool you could use. The main pool was first class. The second pool was second class. Schools paid between 1d and 3d. The basic swimming charge remained 6d until 1957.
East Dulwich Leisure Centre was used for more than just swimming. It hosted dances and indoor sports. It was a versatile community space.
During World War I, the baths closed in 1914. They were used for hospital and Red Cross work. Belgian refugees were housed here. In 1915, the baths briefly reopened. Then they were allocated to the Camberwell Gun Brigades. Public swimming resumed in 1917. The baths became an unofficial air raid shelter. Red and green lights signaled danger and safety.
In 1937, indoor bowling was introduced. It offered a new leisure activity. Players paid 6d an hour. A rink could be reserved for 4s an hour.
World War II brought more changes to East Dulwich Leisure Centre. The pools were covered for use as First Aid posts. Medical supplies were stored here. In late 1939, fuel shortages closed the pool. The Auxiliary Fire Service requested the pool be kept full. It was needed for dealing with air raid damage. The Council agreed. The pools were adapted for Fire Brigade pumps.
A shortage of towels occurred. This led to a 5s deposit per towel. Theft was suspected as a cause of the shortage.
Mixed bathing was allowed in all Borough pools from 1946. Dances resumed after the war. Popular bands played at the Baths. The Ted Heath Band performed here. So did Bert Gutsall and his Orchestra. The Baths acquired a second-hand Welmar boudoir grand piano in 1949. The Council promoted official Carnival dances. These occurred on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and St Patrick’s Day. Numbers were limited to 550.
In the 1990s, the Friends of Dulwich Baths lobbied for repairs. Southwark Council invested £250,000. This money was used for various re-developments. These included removing the women’s slipper baths. A full renovation plan of £5 million was agreed in 2007. Fusion took over operation of the building. It became a leisure complex.
A £6.2 million redevelopment started in May 2009. The pool closed. A temporary gym was built. The refurbishment completed on June 25, 2011. It had taken five years. Local MP Tessa Jowell attended the reopening.
Today, East Dulwich Leisure Centre stands as a testament to community resilience. It has evolved to meet changing needs. The original sign “Dulwich Public Baths” remains. It serves as a reminder of its rich history. Though the main pool was boarded over in 1982, the second pool remains in operation. It’s London’s oldest public bath in continuous operation.