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.