As a long time user of Forest Hill Pools (as a Sydenham School pupil we had lessons there), I attended the consultation meetings held in October 2005. Capita Consulting produced a document looking at 6 different options, but the discussion was limited to refurbishment (keep two pools) or rebuild (one 25m pool and a fitness suite). The results of the written surveys returned to the Council were 726 for refurbish, 1079 for rebuild. However, owing to the strength of feeling expressed by those at the meetings and in focus groups (actually the minority of respondents, but vocal) which was emphatically in favour of refurbish, the Mayor decided in favour of this in March 2006. In May 2006, an application to English Heritage to have the building listed was not granted.

In March 2006, the pools were closed owing to concerns about decay in the roof trusses. Pinnacle ESP consulting carried out an intrusive survey, which reported in November 2006 that extensive repair and replacement of most of the plant and fittings would be required to bring it up to modern standards, but they felt the building fabric retained its structural integrity, so refurbishment was still an option. At the Area Forum in February 2007 it was clear the Council still planned to proceed with this. They did not actually do so, as they say they were getting the Downham and Wavelengths (Deptford) pool projects to fruition (both now open I believe).

It now seems the intrusive survey was not intrusive enough, as a detailed feasibility assessment, available on the website location given by Cllr Chris Best, states that the two pool tanks are subject to severe cracking across their entire width in three places, and are leaking water at 3627m3 per annum. Apparently, trial pits show that the pool slabs are not entirely resting on clay as they should be, but there is a void underneath. This obviously makes refurbishment considerably more difficult and expensive, with higher risk of costs spiralling ever higher. The report considers 4 options: 1) refurbish 2) new build (25m pool, learner pool and fitness suite) behind existing frontage 3) Demolish whole complex and complete new build (25m pool, learner pool and fitness suite) and 4) Demolish whole complex and provide dry leisure and adult learning. From Chris Best's posting, they would actually seem to favour option 3 with additionally demolishing Louise House, and and provide dry leisure and adult learning, and build on the pocket park.

Everyone seems to agree that we want Pools on the site a.s.a.p. New build is undoubtedly the surest way of getting this. As a sentimental old thing, I would mourn the loss of some of the most historic and noteworthy building in Forest Hill. It is part of our heritage, and I think I am not alone in feeling this. However, it seems to me that this can be mitigated. The Sydenham Society have suggested requiring the any new build should be required to actually incorporate stonework from the frontage of the old buildings e.g. lettering, decorative work, foundation stones. I would further suggest a proper architectural survey and recording of what is there, with plans and photographs, of both Louise House and the Pools. I don't know if local libraries or Horniman's would be able to house any of the laundry artefacts from the basement. Perhaps someone (Steve Grindley??) could be commissioned to write a history of the site?

The Council meeting is on 13th February.