1:29pm Wednesday 29th August 2007
By Neeta Dutta
Campaigners fighting to save the historic public baths in Hornsey were disappointed to learn this week that English Heritage have refused to grant the site listed status.
The public baths and washhouses are part of the disused Hornsey Central depot site, off Hornsey High Street, and have been earmarked for a massive regeneration scheme. Last month Haringey Council chose developers Inner Circle to turn the former depot into a housing and retail complex.
Joyce Rosser, of the Warner Estate Residents Association, believes the baths should be maintained in some form due to their historical and architectural importance and a bid to English Heritage was hoped to protect the building.
While English Heritage have not granted listed status, their response does state that the baths 'are of clear local interest in that they display the former borough's arms which contributes to the community identity of Hornsey as a former parish and municipal borough.
Although there are no features which identify the building as a former bath and washhouse, the historic function of the building survives in local social memory and the frontage is an attractive example of 1930s design which makes a positive contribution to the character of the Conservation Area.' Ms Rosser said: "Campaigners will argue that the building should be retained, possibly as the entrance to the new retail unit or as a restaurant or wine bar. It would provide a unique feature of the new development. Keeping such buildings enriches and gives character to an area."
Historian Ken Gay added: "Hornsey Baths is not a large dominant building but its unique façade helps characterise Hornsey High Street Conservation Area and should be preserved. Not a difficult job for a good architect and a right minded council and developer."
Tony Piggott, chief executive of Inner Circle, is keen to reassure residents that his team will listen to the public.
"We are fully committed to working with the local community and all stakeholders and look forward to engaging in full consultation as part of the planning process," he said. "We do listen and we do talk to people."
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