Forest Hill Pools update

In our last newsletter we reported that the Mayor and Cabinet had taken the decision to demolish the existing Forest Hill Pools and Louise House complex and build a new leisure facility.  A budget of £7.5m has been allocated for the redevelopment of two pools (a 25m six-lane pool, and a 16.7x7m learner pool), together with a fitness suite and other leisure facilities.  In addition, a further £2m should be available from the sale of part of the site for housing.  Demolition of the buildings on the site is planned for the autumn after undertaking a full historical survey.

The Council say that they are committed to good design for the replacement of all buildings on this important town site, a focal point for Forest Hill.  The Pools are being drained, and design work is underway.  Lewisham intend to incorporate some of the original features into the new building (the keystone and the griffins for example).  A design competition before the Pools are demolished was ruled out as the project is deemed to be too small to justify such a venture.  Conservation groups are concerned about what might eventually be built, and the loss of the Victorian streetscape formed by the Pools-Library-Louise House complex.

The architect's original design for the Pools,

courtesy of local historian, Steve Grindlay

The view of the Association, together with other local organisations, is that the design should be finalised before the buildings are razed to the ground.  We do not want to see a situation where, to paraphrase an old adage, we demolish in haste - repent at leisure.  However, the Association believes that now a reasonable budget is available, the creation of a first class leisure facility built to high standards should not be compromised by an over sentimental desire to retain too much of the existing buildings.  The Association has a seat on the Pools Stakeholder Group that met at the beginning of June.  Council officers responsible for the project presented some possible options for making the best use of the available money and space, accompanied by feasibility drawings.

The Association was subsequently invited to the Town Hall to meet with the Leisure Client Manager, and members of the Project Management and Property teams.  We had an opportunity to give some input into what facilities should be provided, and to comment on both the aesthetics and the practicality of the options for the design of the new building.  The three options reflect various levels of housing and leisure facilities.  A public consultation on these design options began on 18th July.  Unfortunately, the flyers informing residents did not arrive until after that date…

The plans can be seen at the Library until 8th August, or accessed directly on line at www.lewisham.gov.uk/foresthillpools .  However you view the plans for the new Pools, do complete a feedback form and let the Council know your preferred option.