Ladywell Playtower Curzon Cinema
Lewisham, London
Following appointment by Guildmore & Curzon Cinemas in 2016, our practice helped win the bid and secure the 2017 contract with the London Borough of Lewisham to bring forward proposals for the restoration of this Grade II listed landmark in London. The vision of this winning scheme is to secure a new life for Ladywell Playtower by delivering a mix of homes, community and commercial uses.
Currently one of Historic England’s top ten at-risk listed buildings in the UK, the Playtower holds high community and historical significance. Originally opened as a swimming pool and public hall in 1884, it closed in 2004 and sustained extensive damage from a fire in 2006.
The proposals see the Playtower brought back into community use as a new three-screen cinema. The main screen is to be innovatively contained within a “bubble” inside the main space, designed to be soundproof, while at the same time allowing people to appreciate the listed interior of the old main Victorian pool hall. This new dynamic space will contain a bar and restaurant operated by Curzon, and it will also be able to act as an event space associated with special screenings. Other parts of the existing building will contain flexible-use space for start-up local businesses or use by community groups.
Curzon Cinemas is acclaimed for its dedication to heritage-led, community-asset projects, built on their experience in establishing successful partnerships with communities in London and throughout the UK.
Consultants
Structural Engineering: Alan Baxter & Associates
Building Services Engineering: P3R
Planning: Boyer
Public Relations: Built Environment Communications
Viability: Grimshaw Consulting
Cost: Robinson Low Francis