Th, Nov 9, 2006Lewisham Council's announcement
Lewisham Council issued the following press release that we gladly report here in full:
...read more...Alternative site found for New School
Ladywell Pool is to remain open after the Mayor chose Lewisham Bridge as the site of the New School.
Steve Bullock said: “With an excellent alternative site now in place at Lewisham Bridge we can commit to keep Ladywell Pool open until its replacement is built.
“This is a the result I was always striving for and which changed circumstances now allows us to pursue.
"It is wonderful we can keep an obviously well loved pool like Ladywell in service.
"I feel the passionate and enthusiastic campaign by Save Ladywell Pool, although challenging at times, is a great example of how local people can get their views heard.
“Their work is an example to all communities and shows how people can get together and make a real difference.
"But we mustn't forget this has not been an easy decision. It will take a lot of hard work to deliver a new school at Lewisham Bridge and we need the support of everyone in the borough to make that happen.
“But I know thanks to excellent work by everyone involved I’ve chosen the right site to build a much needed New School for the north of the borough.
“Over the next few years this borough will see a really impressive level of investment in schools and pools with new pools at Downham, Wavelengths and Sundermead and more than £255m spent on rebuilding or refurbishing every secondary.
“Exciting times are ahead for the borough.”
Two alternative sites, Lewisham Bridge primary school and land at Lewisham Hospital, were identified following a search in August.
On receiving the in-depth appraisal from officers at the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on November 8, Steve Bullock decided to pursue the Lewisham Bridge site because it offered the best education opportunities in an excellent location.
A full consultation will now be held on the plans to drop the Ladywell option in place of a 3-16 all through school which joins Lewisham Bridge primary with the new secondary. Parents, teachers and any interested party will be able to have their say on the plans.
The consultation will also propose creating a federation which will manage Prendergast, the New School and Crofton schools.
Lewisham Bridge has become available because development plans in the town centre are much more advanced. Previously the site had been rejected because building a school there could have put negotiations for the town centre housing and redevelopment plans at risk.