Porchester Spa 

A Blend of Heritage and Innovation: Porchester Spa’s Journey to Restore Its Historic Splendour for Future Generations.

Located in one of London’s oldest neighborhoods, Porchester Spa offers a unique experience that reflects its rich history. Surrounded by well-preserved character properties, the spa transports visitors back to the era of public bathhouses, preserving the tradition of communal bathing cherished by its community. While modern spas are common, Porchester Spa stands out with its original features, providing a rare sense of authenticity.

Originally built in 1923 as a bathing house and laundry, the spa expanded to include steam rooms, a library, and assembly rooms, becoming the beloved Porchester Spa. Today, Historic England recognizes it as one of the best-preserved examples of its kind. The complex now features a main pool, a smaller pool, gym facilities, and studios. It serves as a central hub for its 3,500 local members.

We aimed to restore Porchester Spa’s original splendor while addressing challenges like humid conditions and improving energy efficiency. Our focus was on reducing the environmental impact of facilities designed when sustainability was not a priority. Earlier development work had damaged or removed some original features. SPACE&PLACE (S&P), Everyone Active, and Vincent Stokes contractors took on the task of restoring the spa.

Input from the local ‘Friends of Porchester Spa’ group was crucial to the project’s success. Their feedback helped us preserve the original design’s integrity. We made significant efforts to restore the original tiling and maintain the authentic use of timber in the steam rooms, despite the challenges posed by these materials in a humid environment. We also modernized the changing facilities and improved insulation.

Open communication and trusted relationships were key to balancing heritage preservation, sustainability, and community needs. We completed Phase 1 of the restoration in time for Porchester Spa’s 90th birthday, focusing on key wet areas and steam rooms. Phase 2 is currently underway, re-tiling the pool surround and extending the ornate ceiling upstairs, ensuring a consistent ambiance throughout the facility.

Results

“Thank you for making Porchester spa a place to be enjoyed by one and all. I absolutely love being there as it is more than a spa, it is a community of people that meet, chat and relax together.’ 

Tina Mayley | Porchester SPA User Group 

November 2019