Restoration work has begun on the derelict Marshall Street Baths in Soho, London, as part of a £25m leisure centre development.

The site, which first opened in 1852 and was closed nine years ago, is expected to reopen in 2010. When complete, the facility will include a restored main pool, a new gym and health suite with sauna and multi-purpose exercise studios.

Part of the plans involve the second 70sq ft x 30sq ft pool and council cleaning depot being demolished, and a new level being added to accommodate six flats on the second to fourth floors. There will also be 52 new homes, 15 per cent of which will be affordable housing.

The project is being led by the facility's owner Westminster City Council and development partner Marshall Street Regeneration. The contractor ISG Interior Exterior will repair many of the baths original features including the Sicillian marble lined pool and entrance hall, which will become a coffee/waiting area, the staircases, balustrades and the terrazzo panelling.

The new facility was designed by Finch Forman in collaboration with Fulcrum Consulting and design firm PSL Structural Projects and Lucking & Clarke LLP. The housing aspect of the design has been designed by Munkenbeck & Ptns architects.

When complete, the council will regain control of the centre and will be looking for an operator late in the year.