An update on work at the leisure centre swimming pool
Tuesday, 30th July 2019
Damage caused by a fire at Highbury Leisure Centre
• WE would like to respond to questions raised by John Hands about the project to restore Highbury Leisure Centre swimming pool following the fire on September 25 last year, (Pool closed by blaze: questions that need answering, July 5).
We understand the frustrations of residents and pool users at the disruption the fire has caused and welcome scrutiny of how GLL and the council has responded. Together we have been doing all we can to progress this complex restoration project.
Highbury is one of the busiest leisure centres in London, and our immediate focus was, rightly, on the recovery and reopening of the usable parts of the centre – the gym and fitness facilities were open just 10 weeks after the fire.
But the challenge facing our recovery project team is far from simple; it is a major undertaking involving multiple partners, insurers, structural engineers and other specialists.
It is essential we identify risks, establish a safe and accessible site, a robust brief and a programme of works, commission professional services and liaise with planning and building control; which all take time.
The pool hall’s steel girders were examined at the first opportunity as one of several risks needing investigation to determine the course of action.
This summer we will have specialists establishing the extent of damage to the pool plant machinery, in tandem with enabling works for the rest of the site to ensure a safe, effective and responsible approach.
The centre is insured by the council but we are sure your readers will understand that legal reasons prevent us from discussing the investigation into the cause of, and responsibility for, the fire and any claims that may be brought.
We will be keeping customers and the community updated as the project progresses. They deserve the best and together, GLL and the council will ensure they get it – a new swimming pool, completed in a timely and responsible manner, to the highest standard possible.
CLLR JANET BURGESS
Executive Member for Health & Social Care
PAUL LISTER
Head of Service (London), GLL
