Dulwich leisure centre officially opens!
Published 24 September 2010
Stan Hardy, a 90 year-old local who has been using Dulwich Baths for the past 75 years, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of Dulwich leisure centre.
The opening of the new pool and remodelled reception area mark the completion to Phase one of the £6.1million facelift to the leisure centre in East Dulwich. The transformation sees an upgrade to the building and facilities while preserving and enhancing its historical Victorian features.
At the opening ceremony Stan Hardy was joined by councillor Veronica Ward, Cabinet Member for culture, leisure, sport and the Olympics. Also attending were the worshipful Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Tayo Situ, local historians, ward councillors from across the borough and swimmers, like Stan, who have been using the baths for over 60 years.
Stan Hardy said: "Everyone involved has done a really good job and will be applauded by local residents.
"The building itself is very pleasing, and the courtyard makes an inviting new entrance. Now we have this smashing swimming bath, and one soon to come in Camberwell, we have a wonderful opportunity to make Southwark a champion swimming borough. I'm very enthusiastic."
Councillor ward said: "I was absolutely delighted to join Stan in opening Dulwich Leisure Centre's fabulous new building and pool. We are all proud of this wonderful new centre which will encourage many more people to keep fit and stay healthy. Everyone involved in the redevelopment has worked tremendously hard and all that effort has clearly paid off."
Veronica added "Many of those who attended the launch, including the Mayor of Southwark, said how fabulous the new facilities were and how pleased they were that the project was backed by all parties. Apologies came from Dulwich MP Tessa Jowell and council leader Peter John, who were unable to attend but wished the centre every success for the future."
What's new at the leisure centre
The works have been far reaching. The pool area has been completely retiled, and the new pool hall roof, insulated and re-glazed, now floods the space with natural light.
The pool itself has undergone total refurbishment and been fitted with a UV filter to remove the majority of pollutants and microbes which will improve water conditions and also help to reduce chlorine levels. In addition, to improve environmental efficiency and help keep running costs down, roof mounted solar thermal panels have been installed to preheat water and reduce demand on the boilers.
The first phase of the multi-million pound project has also seen the construction of a brand new reception area with comfortable seating and a cafe. The contemporary reception is part of the eye catching new entrance which can now be found on Crystal Palace Road.
One of the significant improvements across the site is access for those with a disability or visual impairment. Now, step free access, lowered counters, dedicated accessible changing and clear signage, contribute to a centre that is fully inclusive to all.
Parents can enjoy the facilities with their kids or take a break and leave their children in the care of professionally qualified crèche staff - the new crèche area has the addition of an external soft play area.
