We Londoners seem to have become really rather fond of sweating our toxins and our troubles away recently. And so I suppose it’s pretty darn handy that we’re not particularly thin on the ground when it comes to saunas across the city in which we can do so. But we may soon be budging up to make space for one more, because a not-for-profit organisation has got their eyes on a Grade II* listed spot in Stoke Newington – and is now officially seeking the local council’s permission to turn it into a brand new community sauna.
The organisation in question is Community Sauna CIC (the brains behind a fair few of the city’s sweat-boxes) and the building that they’ve got their heart set on is the Stoke Newington Pumping Station. This gorgeous Grade II* listed structure is more commonly known as ‘The Castle’ due to its striking medieval-style architecture, and has been picture-perfectly perched over in – you guessed it, folks – Stoke Newington since the 1850s.
The pumping station was designed by engineer, William Chadwell Mylne, and built between 1854 and 1856 as a solution for London’s growing need for clean water. It was in use until the mid-20th century but due to changes in the city’s water supply network, ceased operating – and was repurposed as a climbing centre in the 1990s. The natural progression you’d express, hey?
Community Sauna CIC’s proposals would see a dry-heated timber sauna (suitable for up to 16 people) and two cold showers set up shop inside the Victorian-era ‘castle’. I wouldn’t grab your swimming cozzies just yet though, folks. A decision has yet to be made by the local council and the local planning authority need to assess the plans to ensure they wouldn’t have a negative impact on the character or structural integrity of this historic hotspot.
There have reportedly already been 12 formal objections from local residents – with noise pollution, LED lighting glare, potential crowding, and the use of land that was set to be used for community gardening all having been raised as potential issues. The council, however, doesn’t believe that the adjacent land will be disturbed by the plans and doesn’t expect the site to significantly affect the area’s footfall, either.
Town hall planners have recommended that the new sauna is approved for an initial period of five years and a final decision is expected in the coming days. We will, of course, keep you posted.
