FOREST HILL: Exhibition for design of new leisure centre at historic pools (From News Shopper)

FOREST HILL: Exhibition for design of new leisure centre at historic pools

2:04pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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A PUBLIC exhibition for the latest design of a new leisure centre is being held.

Residents have campaigned to keep the disused Forest Hill Pools, in Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill, as swimming baths since it closed in 2006.

They demanded the building be refurbished while preserving its Victorian features.

In July last year Lewisham Council agreed to develop a new pool on the site incorporating the building’s historic front.

The Council is displaying the latest plans for the new Forest Hill Pools until March 27.

On the last day of the exhibition there will be an opportunity to meet the architects and ask more detailed questions.

Quetta Kaye, a member of campaign group Save the Face of Forest Hill, said: “I think the people of Forest Hill have every right to be pleased that the campaign has succeeded. It will benefit the whole area.

“One worry was that perhaps the new building would be slightly too big and overshadow the Victorian part. On the whole the designers are receptive and we are pleased about that.”

Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock said: “A lot of people have put much time and energy into making sure the new pools are the best they can be.

“I am determined that as many people as possible are given a further opportunity to see the plans so the architects can go away and incorporate as many views as possible in the final design.”

The current plans can be seen today (March 17) and March 24 at Forest Hill Station from 4.30pm until 6.30pm.

They will be on display tomorrow (March 18) and March 25 at Forest Hill Library on Dartmouth Road from 9am until 8pm.

Sainsbury’s on London Road will be displaying the plans from 5pm until 7pm on Friday (March 19) and March 26.

The final viewing will be on March 27 at Forest Hill Station from 10am until 3pm.

A planning application for the new centre will be submitted by May.

The Council aims to re-open the new facility in late 2012.

For more information email foresthillpools@lewisham.gov.uk or call 020 8314 7074.