Streatham leisure centre closes until further notice (From Streatham Guardian)

Streatham leisure centre closes until further notice

2:40pm Wednesday 25th November 2009

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Dilapidated Streatham Leisure Centre will close today for the foreseeable future due to health and safety concerns.

The decision was taken after structural engineers raised concerns about widespread structural problems in the crumbling building.

The closure at 4pm yesterday follows the shutting of access to the 80-year-old leisure centre's swimming pool last week.

The widespread structural problems to the whole of the building appear to paint a bleak picture for the leisure centre's future.

One of London's largest building and maintenance firms told the Streatham Guardian earlier this week they did not believe the swimming pool would open again because of the cost and timescale needed to fix the structural problems to the ceiling and roof above the pool.

Managing director of Lambeth firm Pimlico Plumbers, Charlie Mullins, said from experience he felt an ongoing assessment would show problems taking "months" to fix and costing "tens of thousands."

The pool was not expected to reopen until at least after Christmas. No estimate as to when the leisure centre could reopen have been given.

Lambeth council has commissioned a full structural survey "in order to determine the best possible action for the centre", according to executive director for adults’ and community services, Jo Cleary.

Peter Jones, divisional director of cultural services at Lambeth Council, said: “This is a decision that we have not rushed to lightly, but we have to put people’s safety first.

“We are working hard to ascertain the extent of the problems, but it is clear that the structural issues with the building are serious, and the centre will not reopen for the foreseeable future.

“We realise that this will cause inconvenience, but are working hard to reduce this by making alternative arrangements for schools, swimming clubs and other groups, and we are making sure people are aware of the alternative sports facilities nearby, which are only a short bus journey away.”

Critics have attacked the council for allowing delays to the proposed Streatham Hub development - which will provide a new swimming pool and leisure centre in the area.

Two years after planning permission was given to Tesco to build a new supermarket and housing development on the site - as well a contributing to building costs of a state-of-the-art leisure centre - the supermarket giant has chosen to rework the plans due to the recession and its affect on the housing market.

Chris Nicholson Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Streatham said "Labour's dithering over the Streatham hub development and lack of investment in the Leisure Centre is finally having its effect. This is disastrous news for Streatham and is a direct result of years of Labour neglect."

Councillor Rachel Heywood, cabinet member for culture on the council, said: “Streatham Leisure Centre has been showing its age for some time and no longer provides the quality of facilities that local people deserve, and that’s why we are committed to providing brand new, state-of-the-art leisure facilities including a swimming pool as part of the Streatham Hub Development, as well as a new leisure centre in Clapham.

"These exciting schemes will give Lambeth residents the top class sports facilities they deserve."

A council spokesman said alternative arrangements for schools, swimming clubs and swimming lessons are being arranged.

He said other users may access swimming facilities at Brixton Leisure Centre, Clapham Leisure Centre and other nearby leisure centres.

Current REAL Wellness and REAL Swim members will also be able to use their cards for swimming at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre during the closure.

For more information visit http://www.gll.org/centre/streatham-leisure-centre.asp.

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