In response to Roz's comment about The Bridge:

"Pools can work well in 'side streets and light industrial locations, ie The Bridge. They may not be pretty but they do the job."

I wouldn't exactly describe The Bridge as a buzzing sports and swimming facility. Its nearly empty whenever I use it, in fact that is one of the reasons I use it! On a Sunday morning you can usually rely on the small pool being empty!

It is very busy for swimming lessons for children, they are nearly all full and well used by many from Forest Hill and Honor Oak who would presumably prefer to swim nearer to home if they could walk there?

Does anyone ever walk to The Bridge? I sometimes wonder if anyone at all would go if it didn't have such a large car park?

I have also been to Beckenham Spa, which is a much newer pool but so popular and busy that you have to swim in a set session and share the pool with dozens of others. It also costs twice as much as you have to pay for children.

I don't think it is unconnected that the very well used and busy pool (and I assume more viable in the long term) is the one on the main road and a good level of visibility and street presence.