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Forest Hill Pools Consultation

Lewisham Council has finally called for a consultation to be held on the future of Forest Hill Pools.You can download a pdf and see for yourself the two alternatives that the people of Forest Hill are asked to choose from.

Option 1

Retain and refurbish
the existing building

This option will provide the same facilities as are currently available at the pool, but to a slightly higher specification. The centre would comprise two swimming pools at current lengths and widths, a fitness studio, a wet changing area, meeting room and activity room.

There would be improved disabled access via a ramp to automatic front doors as well as a lift to the first floor. As part of the refurbishment, the main pool’s first floor gallery would be removed.

This option would also allow extra parking adjacent to the centre. However, there may be longer term risks of mechanical failure due to underground pipe work which will not be able to be investigated or removed under the refurbishment option.

Approximate cost: £4.1million.

Option 2

Build a brand new swimming facility on the existing site

This option will provide a new single-storey facility built on the current site. The new facility will comprise one 25m six-lane swimming pool with changing facilities that are fully compliant in terms of disabled access and contemporary standards. This option would also allow an additional 20 car parking spaces. It would include a fitness studio, however, there would be no rooms for meetings or other activities.

Approximate cost: £4.1million.

In case anybody forgot what Mayor Bullock said in his Easter message to Lewisham swimmers about the cost of the works only 6 months ago, here's a reminded:

"The report indicates that we can renovate Forest Hill for around £1.5m. This would make the building safe and give it at least 10 years more life. Alternatively we could flatten and build a new facility on the site for about £2.5m which would clearly have much more modern facilities. The report recommends that we consult Forest Hill residents on what they would prefer. Again this will start in June and be reported back in the Autumn."

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