HAGGERSTON POOL

Shoreditch has one of most socially excluded communities in the country. This is recognised in being given pathfinder New Deal for Communities status:

• 33% of households are on income support (21% UK),
• 62% of housing stock is high rise (19% UK).
• The premature death rate (SMR for aged 15-64) is 176 (UK 100)
• Crime 256 offences are per 1000 pop (UK: 100)
• Only 32% of households own a car (UK: 69%)

In an area that does not have much, Haggerston Pool is one of the few assets available to local people. The Pool is well-loved and valued by Shoreditch people. Built in 1904, it is a listed building and survived WW2 bombing. It is a flagship project - for example, the Pool’s weather vane is the Haggerston SRB logo. But……

• It was closed for health and safety reasons in February 2000. Estimated cost to re-open £3-400,000
• co-incidentally at same time as Clissold Pool overspend by at least £10m
• This met strong local opposition – Haggerston Pool Action Group formed.
• Hackney has now confirmed closure for financial reasons – both capital and revenue are now not available.

The community disbenefits include:

• 5 Schools have removed swimming from the curriculum
• The Boat Club has closed its books because can’t water train new members
• 20 Swimming Clubs are adversely affected
• Young people have even less to do at same time as youth provision is being cut back.
• Health suffers as regular and occasional users can’t afford elsewhere.

Strategic disbenefits include

• Shoreditch is a pathfinder NDC area - closure runs counter to regeneration investment
• The Pool is also the hub of successful NOF Health Living Centre bid, thus jeopardising our whole programme re healthy living.
• Business Plan prepared in August 2000 for community takeover ignored.
• New rescue package is being prepared, but can only work if the audience receptive.

There is a real danger that current asset stripping by London Borough of Hackney will loose this heritage facility forever, unless our practical solution is adopted or funding is made available to re-open.