Lewisham seek to end development agreement at Ladywell Playtower
Lewisham council are seeking to end a partnership agreement to developer Ladywell Playtower after developer Guildmore were unable to overcome financial challenges.
The Grade II Listed structure also known as Ladywell baths was built in 1884 and has now stood empty for 21 years. In a statement the authority said:
“As one of the borough’s most significant Grade II listed sites, Ladywell Playtower holds deep local importance. The Council remains firmly committed to bringing it back into public use and ensuring its restoration meets the highest standards.
“This is why the Council is now recommending rescinding planning permission for the stalled scheme to the Strategic Planning Committee – marking a pivotal step in unlocking the building’s future.”
Prior agreement
Lewisham Council previously announced an agreement with the private developer to bring the building – which were formerly swimming baths closing in 1965 – back into public use with planning approval given dependent on a section 106 legal agreement. That has not been agreed.
Prior planning approval in 2022 saw a four-screen cinema agreed for the site alongside 33 homes.
Internal photos of the structure can be seen here.
The building’s disrepair has alarmed many with a petition standing at the time of writing at 3,375 signatures, and the council state blocking planning approval and in turn ending the agreement will allow them to seek another partner.
So now once again the process will begin, with Lewisham stating “the Council is preparing to bring forward a new expression of interest process later in the autumn”.
Firstly it is disgusting that this empty building has been allowed to stand empty for 21 years by Lewisham Council. Allowing a grade 2 listed building to fall in to a stste of disrepair is not acceptable. These buildings are part of the Boroughs heritage.
If the chosen developer/partner is unable to compete a refurbishment or new development for what ever reason then a new developer/partner needs to be found so works on the building can continue as soon as possible. So the building can be brought back in to use.
The developer that no longer is proceeding was chosen over other preferred developers because local activists decided that the preferred developer should not get their vote for political reasons. So the lame-duck developer was chosen and this is, sadly, the result.