Lewisham council has finally launched its search for a new partner to restore and “secure the future” of the Grade II listed Playtower after Guildmore’s efforts to develop the landmark buildingg stalled.
The Council is inviting members of the local community to have their say on the future use of the building.
“This feedback will help potential partners develop proposals that reflect local aspirations as well as preserving the Playtower’s unique character,” the council says.
The search for a new partner will run from December 2025 to late 2026 and is designed “to secure a viable proposal for renewal and reuse.”
The council says the proposals must be “financially viable and shaped by local priorities.”
The council also welcomes expressions of interest from organisation with experience and capability “to lead complex heritage restoration projects and operate community-facing buildings for the long term”.
The community feedback survey is now open until January 29 2026. You can make your comments here https://ladywell-playtower.commonplace.is/
Potential partners can express their interest in the project until February 28 2026.
Guildmore was chosen as the Playtower developer in 2017 and planning permission was granted in 2022 “subject to the completion of an s106 agreement to secure the planning benefits of the scheme.”
The council says the project stalled because Guildmore was unable to proceed because of “viability challenges” caused by a sharp rise in costs. The council rescinded Guildmore’s planning permission.
Cllr James-J Walsh, Cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: “If you live nearby, run a local business, study locally, or simply care about Ladywell’s heritage, we want to hear your ideas about what the Playtower could become.
“We have learned lessons from previous engagement. This time we are making it simpler and more visible, with clearer stages and straightforward ways for local people to take part.
“The council is committed to finding a partner who shares our ambition to deliver without delay and restore this historic Grade II listed building for generations to come.”
The Playtower Action Committee, a subgroup of the Ladywell Society, has been keen to ensure broad community engagement in the council’s decisions on the building.
It believes the community can be engaged through Commonplace but also local events, such as the opening up of the grounds around the Playtower.
In meetings with council officers, the group has discussed temporary “meanwhile” uses for the grounds – markets, Brockley Max events, gardens – as ways to encourage and deepen community interest in the site.
Lewisham council to select group to restore and develop Playtower by autumn 2026 after ending deal with Guildmore
Lewisham council is aiming to shortlist up to seven development proposals for the Playtower by spring 2026 now it’s agreement with Guildmore has ended, writes Victoria Major.
Cllr James-J Walsh, the cabinet member of planning and regeneration, told a public meeting that a final proposal would be agreed by autumn next year.
More than 120 people attended a meeting organised by the Playtower action group, a sub-group of the Ladywell Society, to discuss the future of the Playtower in St Mary’s Church Ladywell.
Cllr Walsh said the council would be looking for a private developer or a non-profit group.
He emphasised the council wanted to see a high-quality development in the area and that community voices would remain central to the process.
The council will unveil detailed plans and set out the next stages on October 22.
The meeting began with a screening of David Stock’s short film about the Victorian buildings past – capturing memories from local people who once swam, played and trained there before it was badly damaged by fire in 2006.
Once a public baths, then a swimming pool, and later a gymnastics centre for children, the Playtower holds a special place in Ladywell’s history.
Architect Benedict O’Looney gave an inspirational talk on how Victorian public buildings can be sympathetically restored and reused.
He shared insights from his work restoring Peckham Rye Station – a striking mix of Renaissance and Gothic architecture from the 1860s and 1870s.
His reflections on that project carried lessons for the Playtower: restoration happens in stages, it depends on skilled craftspeople such as stone and iron masons, and it must be underpinned by a commitment to sharing knowledge about why these historic buildings matter..
*Get involved*
Residents are being encouraged to stay engaged. The Ladywell Society is hosting a community day on Saturday 4 October in the grounds of the Playtower, with creative activities including drawing classes. While the building itself won’t be open, it’s a chance to connect, share ideas and show support for its future.
You can also keep up to date by signing up to the council’s updates and following local groups on social media.
The future of the Playtower remains uncertain, but Thursday’s turnout showed just how much this building still means to Ladywell.