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Future Clapham - frequently asked questions
When will I be able to use the new facilities?
Enabling works for the demolition of Mary Seacole House and Clapham Leisure Centre began at the end of 2009 and the pre-construction phase of works is progressing well.
The construction phase of both sites will begin in Summer 2010 with completion of the new buildings due at the end of 2011.
Do we need a new leisure centre?
We want to promote healthy lifestyles and anticipate a 50% increase in visitors to the Clapham Leisure Centre. Studies showed that the overall financial impact of building a new centre was comparable with refurbishing the current one.
During the competitive tendering process, all the developers decided that a new build was the best option to meet the demand for increased visitor numbers and provision of a wider range of activities across the leisure centre as a whole. A new leisure centre enables better use of the space available, reduced running costs and a more environmentally sustainable operation.
This also enables us to provide a new four court sports hall, increase the number of gym stations from 60 to 100 stations and improve access for those with mobility difficulties with poolside stairs.
Why would we want a 25-metre pool?
Modern pools are more easily accessible, with improved entrance steps and a water level that is flush with the surrounding deck. The new pool will have an adjustable depth, to accommodate a wider range of activities, including new aqua-aerobics classes. The depth at one end will be 2.5m, close to that of the existing, to maintain conditions for scuba diving and kayaking.
The current pool is imperial in size (30.5m x 10.7m) but the new pool will be metric (25m x 13m) - this means it will be shorter but wider. The standard size will allow for competive swimming, training for time trial and distance awards and wider lanes for general lane swimming.
Why should the library be moved to the high street?
We want to encourage more people to visit the library and use the range of services on offer. Evidence from other councils shows that moving a library to a more prominent high street position works. In Newham, library visits and book issues have increased over 250% since the library moved to its new high street location. It is easier for more people to visit a high street library as it can be combined with other high street activities and could also justify staying open longer.
Furthermore, the new library in Clapham will be part of a much larger public space where you can access other coucil services, enjoy cultural and arts events and visit the neighbourhood health facility.
Are you selling off the old library building?
You told us that you wanted this building kept as a community space. We are commited to keeping the building for public use and we're pleased that a group of local residents, OCLSW4, are working with us to come up with a sustainable plan for a community-run cultural hub. The building will be refurbished and made fully accessible once the library service has moved to its new home on the high street.
Why do we need a new health facility, and what is it?
Lambeth Primary Care Trust (PCT) is an enthusiastic partner in the Future Clapham project and is looking forward to providing Clapham residents with a purpose-built 'healthcare centre'. The Clapham Family Practice will move to the new premises from its current base just down the high street, which is now too small. The new healthcare centre will be able to expand its services and hours. It may take on some of the work done by local hospitals, offering quicker services nearer to home, and may be able to run an outpatients' department and offer therapy services and community nursing.
How much is this costing me?
The November 2006 Cabinet report stated that the construction of the new buildings would need to pay for itself. This means that the developer will be required to build the public facilities out of the money made from the private development.
What safety measures will be in place when construction starts?
Minimising disruption and ensuring site safety during construction of the two new buildings are key concerns for the developer Cathedral.
Safety management requires careful planning and this will commence in the design stage, continue through the construction phase and be of prime importance right up to the completion of the project. As part of the construction strategy they have committed to be encouraging environmentally sustainable and socially responsible construction. This includes:
• Controlling dust
• Minimising noise nuisance
• Involving the community
• Employing apprentices
• Treating people fairly and providing equal opportunity
• Health, safety and welfare
• Good neighbour policy
Where can I go to do my exercise when the Clapham leisure centre closes for construction?
During the closure of Clapham centre, the council aim to continue to meet the needs of key user groups, by ensuring that they have access to other leisure facilities elsewhere. We have identified facilities within the area to accommodate Clapham Leisure Centre customers.
All school swimming programmes will continue at a number of local pools at the start of the new school term. General leisure activities such as swimming, exercise classes and healthy living programmes will be provided at other leisure centres nearby - such as Brixton and Ferndale.
All members with a leisure card or direct debit membership are entitled to use their membership at any of the council’s other leisure centres managed by GLL. The closest alternative council owned leisure centre is the recently refurbished Brixton Recreation Centre. Visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/explore for an interactive tour of the centres.