Arts & Culture History WC-Local News Westminster

Porchester Centre celebrates centenary

Admin

November 7, 2025
3 min read

The Porchester Centre in Bayswater has celebrated its 100^th birthday. Over the past century, the site, owned by Westminster Council, has become a “vibrant, multi-purpose facility serving hundreds of thousands of residents annually with the Council investing millions of pounds to keep improving the centre.”

Designed by architect Herbert Shepard, the Porchester Centre was opened by MP William Gerring in 1925. The iconic building was initially known as Paddington Central Baths, before it was renamed in 1929 after the addition of the Hall and Spa.

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The Grade II listed building is “recognised for its architectural significance and historical value,” Westminster says. Recently, it has gained more recognition as a filming location, as well as for hosting “extravagant balls and other cultural events.”

Today, it welcomes over 420,000 visitors every year and boasts over 4,000 members through the Council’s partnership with Everyone Active. The leisure centre features a 30m swimming pool, two workout studios, a three-level gym, a new women-only gym, and London’s oldest spa, offering steam rooms, a sauna, cold showers, and three Turkish baths.

It also hosts 55 group exercise classes weekly, a free swimming programme for eligible residents, a Changing Places Toilet for users with profound disabilities, and over 170 stations in the gym.

In recent years, Westminster City Council says it has invested nearly £6 million to “refurbish and future-proof” it.

Image: The wub

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