Forest Hill Pools
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Forest Hill Pools is a small local leisure centre in Forest Hill, London. It contains two Victorian Swimming Baths and is located on the same Road as Forest Hill railway station, and is located next to Sydenham School and Forest Hill Library.
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[edit] Structure Of The Roof
Recently, 2006/07, Forest Hill Pools have closed due to urgent Health and Safety issues with the structure of the roof.
Lewisham Council -the council in which the pool is situated in- said the following in March 2006:
Forest Hill Pools have been closed pending their redevelopment following health and safety advice. Detailed investigations of the building will now be undertaken to establish the extent of the problems with the roof. The pools will not now be able to be re-opened until their full refurbishment. It remains the policy of the Council to maintain swimming at this site.[1]
Later in the year, 19 December, Lewisham said:
The intrusive survey into Forest Hill Pools has concluded that the building has retained its structural integrity, that the defects can be rectified and that refurbishing the pools is a viable option. It has also concluded that the original roof should be replaced with a more cost and energy efficient new structure.
However, all the advice and experience of others, tells us that this kind of renovation work to Victorian buildings is costly and extremely challenging. There are real risks that the need for further work may be unearthed as the refurbishment begins in earnest.
Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, added So far so good, I am pleased that we can now go on to the next stage of the project in the new year.
The overall costs of the works outlined in the survey could increase by 20% (£781,000) bringing the total figure up to £5.05m. However, it should be stressed that these figures are early estimates based on the survey findings and will need to be revised as the design and specifications for the project are worked up.
[edit] Doubts Of Future
Despite what the council has said some people still question if Lewisham are willing to pay the estimated £5.5 Million fee, for baths in an area that already has a much bigger and newer leisure complex called The Bridge Leisure Centre, which most people pefer.
[edit] Location
Main Article, see Forest Hill
Forest Hill Pools are located on Dartmouth Road, SE23. This is in the centre of the town. There is a bus stop outside for buses 122, 24-Hour Route 176 and 197. The nearest train station is Forest Hill railway station which has frequent trains to Central London and Croydon.
