The Ladywell Playtower Action Group has launched a community petition urging Lewisham council to act quickly to safeguard the Playtower, the grade II listed building which has stood empty for years.
The petition calls on Mayor Dacres and the council to consult urgently with the community about the future of the site and explain what action they will take to guarantee progress on refurbishing the building.
Frustration has been mounting in the local community over the lack of progress since 2017 when the council selected developer Guildmore to restore and develop the Playtower to provide housing and a local cinema.
The petition says the council has “failed to lead decisively on this project” and put local people at the heart of the process. “People want to see some progress.”
People are angry that the redevelopment of the Playtower has been allowed to drag on while the crumbling Victorian building, a former swimming baths, deteriorates further.
It has been apparent for some time that developers Guildmore have been delaying work on the Playtower because of rising costs in the current economic climate. Meanwhile negotiations between the council and Guildmore dragged on.
The council sought National Lottery funding to make up any shortfall but its initial inquiries were rebuffed.
The Ladywell Society, which set up the action group in response to mounting frustration in the local community, says negotiations have been “ongoing” for far too long.
“Local people deserve better. It’s NOW time for the community to act.” The petition will be the start of a determined campaign to force progress on this long neglected building.
The community petition can be signed by anyone who lives, works or studies in the Borough of Lewisham (even if under 18 years).
SIGN THE PETITION.
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-ladywell-playtower
