There are plans to give Charlton Lido a facelift and build a diving facility
A LIDO could undergo a huge facelift and a new deep diving centre could be built under plans to go before Greenwich Council next week.
Planning permission is being sought to
renovate Charlton Lido, Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Road, and build a diving facility -
described as the only one of its kind in the country.
The move by Open Waters Ltd would secure the future of the popular open-air pool, built in 1939, which is badly in need of work.
In the summer of 2004, it was forced to close due to health and safety fears and repeated vandalism, but reopened after pressure from angry swimmers.
The plans would see the existing lido refurbished with new toilets, changing and shower room facilities, a diving shop and a cafe.
A three-storey building would be constructed alongside it, boasting an indoor 35m-deep
diving centre, a gym, a club room, teaching space and a manager's flat.
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There would be access links between the buildings and a 26-space car park.
Greenwich Council officers recommend the application, due to go before the planning committee on January 29, should be granted conditional planning permission, subject to the referral of the plans to the Mayor of London.
Councillor Graeme Coombes
However seven letters of objection were
received by the council, citing reasons of
increased vandalism, noise and disturbance during and after construction and the loss of trees to provide for off-street car parking.
Thornhill Tenants and Homeowners Association objects on the grounds it is a three-storey building, rather then the previously proposed two-storey.
It says the development is for specialist and commercial use and not in the interest of the wider community.
Councillor Graeme Coombes, ward member for Kidbrooke with Hornfair, said the development would be an asset to the area.
He said: "Part of the building is structurally unsound. It needs investment.
"Anything which saves the lido for public use is a good idea.
"We were concerned it might go the way
of the Eltham Lido, which lay derelict
for years."
However he believes there should have been a consultation where residents could make their views known.
Charlton Lido Swimming Club maintains the facility.
Club secretary Graham Jones said: "It does appear to be a well thought-out refurbishment.
"If all goes to plan, I will be extremely pleased.
"It has been running on a shoestring for many years."
He added: "The refurbishment will secure the future of the lido for the community.
"This is the main aim for our club."
The proposals are on display at Charlton House until January 29.
But Cllr Coombes is pushing for an
exhibition where people can ask questions and raise concerns.
A structural report commissioned in 2004 concluded it would cost £1m to bring the lido up to minimum operational standards.
It could not be met by the council and so did not open to the public that year.
There were fears the lido could close permanently unless money was found for repairs.
A report prepared by officers for the planning committee said: "Presently Charlton Lido is in a poor condition with the women's changing facilities being classified as derelict."
Posted by: Peter, SE London on 2:46pm Sat 26 Jan 08
I think the plans for Charlton Lido to be turned in to an all year round Scuba Diving Centre is an excellent one. Charlton Lido is in a poor state of repair and needs a lot of money to put it right. As the lideo is only open for a few weeks a year the scub diving centre is the best option. The lido is only left to be vandalised and a meeting place for the local youths who hang around in Hornfair Park at night. Lets hope the scuba diving centre gets the go head it may be the boost Hornfair Psrk needs.
I think the plans for Charlton Lido to be turned in to an all year round Scuba Diving Centre is an excellent one. Charlton Lido is in a poor state of repair and needs a lot of money to put it right. As the lideo is only open for a few weeks a year the scub diving centre is the best option. The lido is only left to be vandalised and a meeting place for the local youths who hang around in Hornfair Park at night. Lets hope the scuba diving centre gets the go head it may be the boost Hornfair Psrk needs.
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