At a planning committee held on 29th January 2008 the London Borough of Greenwich committee members decided unanimously to approve planning permission for the regeneration of Charlton Lido, Charlton Park Lane, Charlton.

The planning permission includes the regeneration of the existing Lido and adjacent park and erection of a new three storey building comprising state-of-the-art diving centre with associated car parking. A new three storey building would be located on the eastern side of the existing lido and incorporate a diving shop, foyer and club room, fitness gym, showers, changing rooms, toilets, a new 3 bed residential flat for the on-site manager, a small office and a 35m deep diving pool. The adjacent park's facilities would be significantly improved and, in accordance with the London Borough of Greenwich wishes, the basketball coourt would be re-located.

The existing lido, constructed in 1939, is an Art Deco Style building which has served the local community well since its construction. However,in recent years Charlton Lido has fallen into a poor state of repair and is now only used by the public during summer months. <>br<> Chartlon Lido is one of the last of its kind left in London and has been fighting against closure for a number of years. The regeneration of the existing lido and surrounding park, whilst retaining the existing 'Art Deco' features of the Lido, was considered imperative in order to aid in the future regeneration of the surrounding Hornfair Park and ensure the retention of the lido for use by both the club and wider community. <>br<> MHK Fairbairn Architects paid careful consideration to the existing design of the Lido when preparing the final design solution. The proposed building has been designed to interact with the surrounding park and will provide a key catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding area. In preparing the supporting submissions for the application WS Planning worked closely with the MHK Fairbairn, Stilwell Partnership LLP and the applicants to achieve a positive outcome.

For further information on this case please contact either Brian Woods or Richard Green quoting reference L/GREEN/403.