At the pools stakeholder meeting last night the architects presented their most recent set of scheme proposals for the site.

These have begun to address many of the concerns that have been raised about the bulk of the building on the frontage although it is still quite large.

The internal layout is as described by New Forrester with the main pool next to the remains of the pocket part, then the changing rooms and then the learner pool. They have said that this allows them to more easily be used independantly, should the need arise. And it does allow for better side lighting of both pools.

There are two entrances to the building, one into the front door of the retained superintendants house which will contain the reception, offices and WC's. The second entrance is on the approach from the Town Centre. The two entrances are connected internally with a central 'mall' that also gives access to the cafe (which is on the north east corner of the building) and the changing rooms/gym/studios on the upper floor.

The pool changing rooms have been the focus of much discussion and they have now proposed a solution that combines a changing village (mixed changing with cubicles) and make and female group change areas.

The majority of the pocket park (about three-quarters?) is retained as open space next to the pool frontage, the bit that is lost is replaced by a new bit of open space in front of Tawcross House (??).

There is a coach drop off and disabled parking in front of the building but other wise it is 'apparenty' all pedestrian space.

Generally things are progressing well but there are some key details that need to be resolved and further developed. In particular the materials for the new part of the building and the frontage and the addition of a 'lobby' on the front of the retained superintendants house.

It is unfortunate not to be able to post the designs but we are not allowed to see them outside of specific meetings until the consultation events that they are planning for the second half of March 2010.

They are planning a series of events over two weeks with schools, residents, other groups etc and the exhibition will be in different locations around Forest Hill and Sydenham during this period. The programme will be well advertised and we were told that the exhibition material would also be made available digitally.

The Council are also planning to start the demoltion works in April, although nothing is likely to come down straight away.

A planning application will be submitted end of April/early May and they expect a decision towards the end of July.

Construction is planned to commence towards the end of 2010.