This is the most recent reply that I have had from Council officials on the next steps for the Pools:

"In reports seen by Mayor and Cabinet the retention of the facade was an option. However, the option appraisal showed that the main reasons against this, were lack of flexibility for building uses from retaining the existing frontage, higher maintenance costs and less development potential for the site and the net cost of the scheme.

In essence, this would restrict what can be done overall with the site and would restrict the potential of cross subsidy from land receipts from the proposed inclusion of a residual element and have resulted in it not being affordable as a consequence.

Therefore, the option to completely demolish the site (including Louise House) was agreed to provide state of the start modern facilities. It was further agreed that the local community would be engaged in the design process. You can find the reports on the council web site: http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/LeisureAndCul...illPools/. "