Last Of Its Kind Disinfecting Centre Is On The Victorian Society's Endangered Buildings List

By M@

Last Updated 28 April 2026

M@ Last Of Its Kind Disinfecting Centre Is On The Victorian Society's Endangered Buildings List

The Hackney disinfecting station in clapton from above — Image: CAV Aerial

What is your favourite historic disinfecting centre?

You don't have one? Us neither. They are a forgotten part of early 20th century life, to the point where just one municipal disinfecting station remains in England. It's right here in Hackney, and it's now endangered.

Disinfecting centres were set up by local councils in the Victorian and Edwardian eras as hubs against infectious disease. In an age before vaccines, thousands died each year from smallpox, diphtheria, scarlet fever and even measles. 16 in every 100 births would end tragically, mostly caused by diseases that are preventable today.

The disinfecting centres were set up to steam-clean the homes and belongings of families exposed to such diseases, in a bid to limit contagion. In its first year, the Hackney disinfecting centre, on Millfields Road, Clapton, treated 2,800 homes. The site continued to be used for healthcare purposes through most of the 20th century, but it has stood empty and forgotten now for decades.

Hackney Disinfection Centre from above — Rear view from above. Image: CAV Aerial

According to the Victorian Society, the Grade II-listed building is at serious risk from dereliction. It is campaigning for the site to be preserved "through a sensitive sale and reuse". It may not be architecturally distinguished, but the old disinfecting station is the last surviving example in the country. As such, it must be retained.

London Borough of Hackney emblem on the building, featuring St Augustine's Tower. Image: CAV Aerial

The building is one of ten — and the only London structure — to feature in the Victorian Society's Top 10 Endangered Buildings 2026. The full list, in chronological order, comprises: