The opportunity

The opportunity

Lewisham Council is seeking interest from organisations and partners to restore and bring Ladywell Playtower back into long-term, sustainable use. This is a rare opportunity to revive one of the borough’s most distinctive historic buildings and create a new destination that reflects Ladywell’s character, heritage and community life. 

Ladywell Playtower

This Grade II listed building represents a fantastic opportunity to revive the character and significance of the historic public baths and enhances the character of the St Mary’s Conservation Area. Having been out of use for more than 20 years, this once important community facility now has an opportunity to serve the needs of the local area again. Read more about Ladywell Playtower.

Ladywell Coroners Court and Mortuary 

To the east of the Ladywell Playtower site, lies Ladywell Coroners Court and Mortuary. These civic buildings are also Grade II listed and are occupied on an interim basis. There is no requirement for proposals to include these buildings. However, partners may wish to explore whether their inclusion could strengthen the overall vision for the site or improve long-term sustainability. If you are interested in receiving a plan or arranging a visit to view the properties, then please contact playtower@lewisham.gov.uk

Local area

Ladywell is one of Lewisham’s most popular places to live, known for its strong community feel, attractive housing, lively village centre and exceptional access to green space, including the 22-hectare Ladywell Fields.  

The Playtower sits at the heart of Ladywell's thriving neighbourhood, perfectly positioned between Ladywell village and Lewisham town centre. Just a short walk away is the award-winning Fox and Firkin, a grassroots music venue and key part of Lewisham’s cultural and night-time offer.

The site benefits from great transport links, including a 10 minute direct train to London Bridge.

Nearby growth

In close proximity, a 102 affordable housing development, Ladywell Park Gardens, has recently secured a delivery partner, with residents set to move in in spring 2028.  

Nearby, Lewisham’s town centre is benefiting from significant investment including the renewal of the market, library, high street, shopping centre and nearby development, whilst Catford centre is earmarked for major regeneration works (read more about nearby town centre improvements).

Current building state

The property is two storey plus basement level and originally comprised of first and second class pool halls, located at the west and south of the building with an adjacent two storey administration space, slipper baths and function rooms. The rear pool hall was badly damaged in a fire in 2006 but the external walls of this section remain standing.

Ladywell Playtower sits adjacent to Ladywell Coroner’s Court and Mortuary, both of which are Grade II listed and have been identified by the Council for future development.

The Council will consider proposals from developers, investors, occupiers and consortia to bring the Playtower building back into viable use, subject to the necessary consents and requirements.

Why you should invest in Lewisham

• Clear vision
  Our recently adopted, updated Lewisham Local Plan sets out a shared vision for the future of the borough until 2040. 
  
  
• Thriving town centres
  Investment in our town centres includes a £24m regeneration of Lewisham town centre – transforming the library, high street and market – helping to create vibrant and attractive places to live, work and visit (read more about local regeneration).
  
  
• Excellent transport links
  Lewisham benefits from direct rail services into Zone 1 in less than 10 minutes, such as London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and planned Bakerloo Line upgrade and extension.
  
  Diverse cultural hub
• Lewisham has become one of London’s cultural hubs and is home to one of the capital’s first Creative Enterprise Zones, as well as cultural institutions such as Trinity Laban, Albany Theatre, Horniman Museum and Broadway Theatre.
  
  
• Job creation
  We offer programmes to support business growth, encourage start-ups and increase affordability of commercial workspace that will help attract employers and create new job opportunities.
  
  
• Strong partnerships
  Our Lewisham Strategic Partnership brings together the Council, local anchor institutions, businesses and employers to build the foundations for inclusive growth.
  
  
• Green spaces
  We have 47 parks and green spaces with 24 Green Flag awards, including the 96-hectare Beckenham Place Park, ranked by Parks for London as some of the best in the capital.
  
  
• Excellent schools
  99% of Lewisham primary and secondary schools are rated Good or Outstanding, with more and more parents choosing to send their children to local schools.