Hackney Council s restoration of Haggerston Baths moved a step closer this week with the announcement of a £5m grant from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

The money will help to restore the building with the aim of providing a wide range of facilities to help improve the health and well being of local people, particularly children, young people and families.

In addition to health and fitness facilities, plans for Haggerston Baths could include counselling rooms and a GP practice, and additional space for meetings, exhibitions and artists studios.

Cllr Nargis Khan, Hackney Council s Cabinet Member for Community Services said: "I m delighted that we ve been successful in our funding bid. Securing this money has brought us closer to turning our vision for Haggerston Baths into reality."

Haggerston Baths was one of 101 projects across England to secure funding under the DCSF s Co-location scheme which aims to provide communities with access to multiple services under one roof.

Media Contact: Karyn Michael, email: karyn.michael@hackney.gov.uk or telephone 020 8356 3261.