Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

In 2006, the former Greenwich District Hospital was demolished to make way for a new development comprising of 650 homes.

But, as the work continues there's concern from some local residents about how the modern redevelopment will impact upon historic buildings elsewhere in the borough.

A new community?

YOUR STORIES

Local resident Annie Hart contacted Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ London to air her concerns over the closure of the Arches Leisure Centre on Trafalgar Road.

The swimming pool, built in the 1920s is to be demolished within three years.

Greenwich Council says community facilities in the new 'Heart of Greenwich' development will replace those found at the Arches Centre.

The current swimming facilities will only close once a new health spa, library and swimming pool opens in 2011.

But, resident Annie Hart said we need "as many pools as we can get" and they should be "well placed for local people."

"It's a shame to see marvellous old buildings suiting their purpose being demolished".

THEIR RESPONSE

The Victorian Society says that across London local authorities' are often preferring to close older historic swimming pools rather than pay for their maintenance

They say: "The real problem is that most local authorities are hopeless at maintaining their buildings, and pools are no exception."

In a written statement Cllr Chris Roberts said: "Plans to relocate leisure facilities from the Arches Leisure Centre to a modern, fit for purpose, building in the heart of East Greenwich will form an integral part of our effort to regenerate the west of the borough.

"One of London’s first zero carbon developments, the Greenwich Centre will be built on the site of the former Greenwich District Hospital and will provide state-of-the-art leisure facilities including two new swimming pools, a fitness centre and spa, a brand new public library, a health care centre with two doctors surgeries and a council service centre for all council-related enquiries."

"Planning approval was granted earlier this year after extensive public consultation and work is now due begin in 2009. With an estimated completion date of 2011, the Arches Leisure Centre will remain open until the new facilities are officially launched."

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YOUR VIEWS

Real shameΜύ about the closure. Lots of spin about a better, more modern pool but they fail to mention that the Borough will loose the second 33 yard pool that is in the building. The Swimming Club has been trying to convince them that the small doubleΜύ beach end pool they propose replacing it with is no good as a teaching pool. They replaced a large pool at Eltham with the same pool and although the Council say how great it is they are lying through their teeth! Greenwich will have lost two pools when the Arches closes in order to gain high price housing in Greenwich Centre! Madness

- Lesley, Greenwich

I have just read this article & wanted to point out that since the old Greenwich District Hospital was demolished, nothing much has happened to the site. I live not far from there in Humber Road, Blackhreath. I know that there have been all sorts of plans made, but nothing has been done for over 4 years so far. If they carry on at this rate, The Arches should be safe for some time to come

- A Wilton