Ladywell Playtower Curzon

PRS were appointed by Guildmore & Curzon Cinemas in 2016; we helped win the bid process and secure the contract with the London Borough of Lewisham in 2017 to bring forward proposals for the restoration of this Grade II listed landmark in London. The Ladywell Playtower is not only listed, but also one of Historic England’s top 10 At-Risk listed buildings in the UK.

The Ladywell Playtower is of both community and historical significance. The original building was opened as a swimming pool and public hall in 1884, closed in 2004 and sustained extensive damage from a fire in 2006.

The vision of this winning scheme is to secure the restoration of the Playtower by delivering a mixed use scheme of homes, community and commercial uses.

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.

www.ladywellplaytower.co.uk