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An
extensive overhaul of the building was needed by the mid-I880s.
The changed requirements of the users of the baths made it desirable
that a larger swimming pool should be available, with provision
for spectators. This was achieved by reducing the area occupied
by the laundry, thereby providing space for the creation of a new
first-class pool by the extension of the second-class one to a length
of 75ft. The slipper bath section was also remodelled. One of the
defects of Baly's design had been the inadequate ventilation of
the wash-house area. The roof had deteriorated and what was virtually
a new roof, with a steeper pitch, was constructed and a light roof
was erected over the water tank. Two new Cornish boilers were installed
at a cost of £948 6s 8d and the original ones were repaired and
adapted as hot water cisterns, erected on iron girders in the upper
portion of the boiler house.
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Details of the arch contruction for the vaulted main hall |
The opportunity was also taken to improve the drainage from the building. These alterations were carried out in I886 by John Walker to Messrs Clarksons' designs and cost £6,996. It was soon apparent that the capacity of the laundry was insufficient and in I898 some structural alterations were made in that part of the building. Mechanical washing machines and other equipment were installed in 1923 in the area previously occupied by the second-class bath, which was filled in. |
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Because of the unsatisfactory condition of the whole building, and the need to reconstruct and enlarge the bathing facilities, the wash-house section of the Poplar baths was transferred to a new building which was completed in Sophia Street in 1931. Defects in both the internal design and fittings and of the structure itself became increasingly apparent during the I920s and it was eventually decided to erect a new building. In 1929 Harley Heckford, the Borough Engineer and Surveyor, was appointed as the architect. The site was enlarged by the acquisition of the adjoining properties, Nos I-6 Grove Villas, No. I Bath Street and Nos I-2 Arthur (now Lawless) Street. Agreement was reached with the tenants of No. I72 East India Dock Road for their temporary accommodation elsewhere while the new building was being constructed. |
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