Forest Hill Pools reopen
Several years of hard work and dedicated campaigning by local stakeholders has finally come to fruition and Forest Hill Pools have now been reopened. After a series of public consultations, construction commenced in February 2011 and the costs for redeveloping the site amount to £8.9m.
Facilities now include:
· 25m length swimming pool
· 16.7m length learner pool
· state-of-the-art fitness suite
· two studios and a café area
· community room for hire
· spectator viewing and exhibition area
This new facility, which is fully accessible, including parking for people with disabilities, and the architects, Roberts Limbrick, have worked to make the pools as eco-friendly and energy-efficient as possible.
The Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, marked the occasion by taking a plunge in the new pool. He said: “This is a very exciting day for Lewisham. I am thrilled to be here today in Forest Hill at yet another fantastic new facility for the borough. It’s a real tribute to the hard work and energy of everybody involved.”
Cabinet Member for Community Services, Chris Best, "The significance of the occasion comes from the aspirations of the many local people who have worked so hard to see this building saved and now re-developed.”
“I am absolutely delighted to see the wonderful job that has been done redeveloping the pools to modern standards, while retaining features like the historic Victorian frontage.”
“This is a striking development but perhaps its most important dimension is that it’s the result of joint working between local stakeholders and the Council to achieve a shared goal. Willmott- Dixon has carried out a magnificent job in delivering this project on schedule and providing a sustainable future for such a well-loved local building that will benefit the community for many years to come."
Opening hours are: Monday-Friday, 7am-10pm and Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays 7am-6pm.
Residents will have the opportunity to tour the facilities and try out some of the activities available at Forest Hill Pools as part of the ‘Forest Hill celebrates’ event on 22 September.
