I agree with what Gaz says. The existing pools site was probably just big enough to support a viable local leisure centre which would have a chance of attracting a range of users, and becoming a lively local amenity. Following the interesting decision to list Louise House, the site desn't seem to me to be big enough to do this - especially if it is intended to retain the pools facade. Option 2 is likely to result in an unattractive facility with low useage levels, which in turn will mean that it would require substantial operating subsidies.

The Willow Way site is not only capable of supporting a good multi-purpose local centre; adjacent sites would also, in my view, offer the opportunity to expand the centre if it succeeded. It is true that it is not in Forest Hill town centre, but then most leisure centres outside central London are not in town centres - it's hard to accommodate such facilities into a high street location. It is, it is true, close to Crystal Palace, but, while a 10 minute jog away during the day, reaching the Crystal Palace centre requires a long detour after dark. The key thing would be the quality of activity and outreach programming - bearing in mind that there are different markets for leisure. To give just one example, it is positive in this respect that the site is almost next door to a good GP practice working in a poor area with a commitment to health improvement.

I would suggest that before making up their minds on the two options on offer, people should visit some successful leisure centres, such as Beckenham or East Dulwich. If you want a good leisure centre for future generations, you will have to be single-minded about it. Trying to combine conservation, commercial development of the high street and several other factors will not do this.