Friday 17 March 2006
Greenwich Council has been given the green light to enter into negotiations to sustain the future of Charlton Lido following a Cabinet Committee meeting on 14 March.
The plans would allow Open Waters Ltd to refurbish the existing main pool and baby pool at Charlton Lido, and allow redevelopment of adjacent buildings to create a 35 metre deep diving centre on site.
The development would secure the future for community swimming at the Lido. It would also offer the only diving facility of its kind in the country, offering a specialist diving training centre alongside the general open air swimming facilities.
It would also restore the heritage building at Charlton Lido and have an overall positive effect on Hornfair Park, introducing a new leisure activity to the local population.
Cllr Vicky Morse, Greenwich Council Cabinet Member for Culture and Community Services, said:
“This offers us a unique opportunity to preserve Charlton Lido for future generations and put Greenwich on the map, offering a special diving centre which would attract divers from across the country.
“This is a big boost for local people as the community use will remain the core function and the diving activity will be low level.
“Charlton Lido is one of the few remaining Lidos in London. It is a much-loved local landmark and its preservation will offer a lasting legacy, especially as Greenwich gears up to host the 2012 Olympics.
“The plans would also tie into wider Council plans to promote sport and healthier lifestyles amongst local people. We have recently opened a new athletics track in Sutcliffe Park and announced a website scheme to link young people up with local sporting activities.”
Graham Jones, Secretary of Charlton Lido swimming club, said:
“We think it is a very positive development. Our main concern is to secure the future of the Lido for the community but it’s great that it will become part of a development unique to the United Kingdom.”
Under the proposals, Greenwich Council would secure a long lease with Open Waters Ltd who are expected to invest in the region of £3.8million into the lido to provide new facilities and improve existing ones. The overall plans would then be subject to planning consent from the Council and an extensive local consultation process.
ENDS.