Tennis Court Refurbishment

Many of you will have noticed that works have commenced at the tennis courts in the north field, opposite the Hospital. The work started on 9 Jan 2017 and the contractors are hoping to complete around the end of March 2017, though the timescale is somewhat weather dependent.

Floodlights will be installed in phase 2 (later than March, but hopefully not too long after). This is a Council project delivered in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association, the London Marathon Charitable Trust and Glendale.

Once upgraded - to high standards - access to the courts will be via an online booking system for pre-booked, one hour time slots. Regular coaching sessions (at additional cost) will continue as now - see https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/SELondonTennis .

Cycling in Ladywell Fields

Cycling has often been a contested issue among park users. 

A longtime user wrote to us this week: "Whilst walking along the central park footpath today, I stopped to observe the construction work in progress and a cyclist had to swerve to avoid hitting me. I had no warning except an "Ooops". Of course he continued with no expression of regret or apology. A collision would certainly have put me in hospital.

"It seems that the designated cycle routes are no longer marked and I feel that an accident is imminent. These routes should avoid the café, children's' swing park and railway side of the sport arena.
Is a speed limit for cyclists clearly shown? It seems to me to be impossible to expect a decent code of conduct from cyclists."

As a park user AND cyclist I too am frustrated that (but understand why) cyclists prefer to use the path alongside the railway when the actual cycle path follows the River, along the eastern side of the 'north field'. It would not be so bad if cyclists slowed down in the vicinity of the cafe or accepted pedestrians on this particular path take precedence. Your thoughts?

Catford Green development nearing completion

This is a recent picture of the northern boundary of the Catford Stadium development.  The project is rapidly nearing completion and it seems the buildings look a lot bigger than they did on the plans - see the artists impressions below for a comparison.

Ladywell Fields User Group meetings to move to a new venue

The meeting of the Ladywell Fields User Group will have to move following the closure of the gallery at the Ladywell Tavern. Suggestions for new venues include Catford Constitutional Club, the cafe in Ladywell Fields, Lewisham Hospital social club and the Civic Centre at Lewisham Town Hall.
Do tell us your preference, or if your know any other good venue. Do you think it is an advantage to be able to buy a drink and get a meal at the pub?  Or are you put off by a place that sells alcohol? Would it be a good idea to rotate the meeting place? Would you be more likely to attend if the meeting is held nearer to your home?  Let us know by emailing ladywellfields@yahoo.co.uk.

Expressions of interest sought for Ladywell Playtower new use

The Trustees of the Lewisham Building Preservation Trust announce that Lewisham Council has officially launched a request for Expressions of Interest to restore and develop the Playtower. The Council is looking for proposals from developers, investors, occupiers and consortia to bring this grade II listed building back into viable use.

It’s a great opportunity for this historic building, which was built in 1884 as a public bath house, to be revived. Having been out of use for more than a decade, this once important community facility now has an opportunity to serve the needs of the local area.
Those wishing to submit a proposal will have the opportunity to view the building on 10th and 17th February. The deadline for submissions is 28th February, so you need to get your skates on!
All queries about submissions for the Expression of Interest should be directed towards Lewisham Council, either via the website http:/ladywellplaytower.co.uk/ or by emailing playtower@lewisham.gov.uk
Alongside the evaluation process, London Buildings Preservation Trust will be running a local community consultation to record memories of your time spent there, collect and share your photographs of it and capture your ideas about how you’d like the building to be used. We’ll be launching the project very soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
To help bring this piece of wonderful Victorian gothic architecture back into use, please share this email far and wide – you may know someone who has the vision and skills to bring it back to life!
In the meantime, please visit our Facebook page facebook.com/LewishamBPT
and follow us on Twitter @LewishamBPT to get further updates as they happen.