Councillors at Tower Hamlets in east London have given the green light to plans to restore Poplar Baths to include a swimming pool and leisure centre.

Council members have agreed to develop a new 25m swimming pool, a gymnasium, small dance studio and changing facilities, along with a residential development onsite. The original pool hall will be converted into a sports hall. Councillor Rofique U. Ahmed, lead member for culture and leisure at Tower Hamlets, said: "There has been an overwhelming amount of local support for the restoration of Poplar Baths, so I'm delighted that the residents from the east of the borough will once again have their own pool."

It is expected to cost up to £15m to renovate Poplar Baths and add the additional facilities, this reportedly being cheaper than building a brand new leisure centre. Work has already been carried out to improve the current state of the building to ensure its safety, with further investigation set to take place around its age, condition and historic nature.

The Grade II listed building originally opened in 1852 having cost just over £10,000. It was built following the Baths and Wash-Houses Acts of 1846-7 in order to provide local people with wash facilities. The baths continued to be used as a swimming facility until 1988, after which it was closed and turned into an industrial training centre.