Camberwell Public Baths is more recently known as both Camberwell Baths and Camberwell Leisure Centre. The facilities now include a gym as well as a swimming pool.
Commissioners were commissioned in 1887 by the Vestry of Camberwell to establish three Public Baths and Wash-houses in the Parish of Camberwell – one in each of the parliamentary divisions of North Camberwell, Peckham and Dulwich.
The Camberwell Public Baths officially opened on 1 October 1892 and had cost £28 575.
The original facilities were:
– Men’s First Class: 24 private baths, one public swimming bath 120 feet by 35 feet with 81 dressing boxes at the side
– Men’s Second Class: 40 private baths, one public swimming bath, 120 feet by 35 feet with 65 dressing boxes
– Ladies First Class: 12 private baths
– Ladies Second Class: 20 private baths
– Public Laundry: 78 compartments
– Establishment Laundry
Camberwell was one of the first baths with electric lighting, powered by its own generator. The Flemish Renaissance-style facades are Grade II listed.
The baths underwent extensive refurbishment and reopened in early 2011.
