The Ladywell Tavern changes hands

The Ladywell Tavern has again changed ownership.  It is now, it seems, owned by the Laine's pub group (yes, I checked the apostrophe!) and will be known just as 'The Ladywell'.  See here.  

A planning application has also been submitted to demolish some of the outbuildings to the rear of the pub, though not the building that's currently a gallery.  The kitchen will move to the back of the building and the current kitchen will become WCs.

Robert Sheppard

59 Ladywell Road 'arches' refurb underway

. . . as seen from the north side of the road,
with the railway at the back of the photo

Over a year ago the Ladywell Fields blog reported on the marketing exercise in relation to this site under the Ladywell Road bridge (on the eastern side of the railway).  As these photos show, the refurb is well underway.  

. . . and as seen from the station exit
into Ladywell Fields

It was envisaged that this might become a bar or restaurant.  As soon as we can find out more, we'll let you know.

Robert Sheppard

Ladywell Baths namechecked in Guardian article

Our very own Ladywell Baths, subject of a recent petition, was namechecked in this article in Sunday's Guardian.

The article says - Also lined up in this poolside beauty contest is Ladywell Baths in Lewisham, south London.  Last year the badly neglected site appeared in the Victorian Society’s top 10 of England and Wales’s most endangered buildings.  Christopher Costelloe, director of the society, said then “What was once a hub of the community deserves better than lying empty, half obscured by trees.”

The public eagerly awaits news from the Council on the 'expression of interest' process which seeks to establish who might be interested in redevelopment of the site and what sorts of projects are being contemplated including, importantly, the element of community use/access involved in each.

Robert Sheppard

Friends of Ladywell Fields to meet this Weds 22 June - ALL WELCOME!

The Friends of Ladywell Fields (a.k.a. the Ladywell Fields User Group) writes:

"Please come along to our meeting at 7.30pm this Weds 22 June in the Gallery at the rear of the Ladywell Tavern.  Just get your drink at the bar (if you'd like one!) and walk on out the back and head into the Gallery.  We'll be upstairs.

"There's plenty to talk about this time - not least the Council's proposal to work in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association to upgrade the tennis courts, with users being required to purchase a key fob to gain access.  Andy Thomas, the Council officer with responsibility for sports, will be present to provide more information and answer questions.

"This meeting is also a great opportunity to raise issues direct with Glendale, the Council's longtime parks contractors, with whom we in Ladywell Fields have historically had a very good relationship."

Robert Sheppard

Council issues response to Ladywell Baths ('Playtower') petition

The Ladywell Baths - in their former glory

In an undated response on its Petitions webpage the Council has given the following, somewhat minimalist, response to the community petition that secured 914 signatures earlier this year.

We understand the importance of Ladywell Playtower (the former Victorian Baths on Ladywell Road) and the contribution it makes to the local area’s character and welcome the community interest in preserving this heritage asset.

The building has fallen into disrepair and requires significant investment, particularly after major setbacks such as the 2005 fire.

We have already taken steps to slow down the deterioration of the buildings.  With the support of English Heritage in 2012 we replaced the roof and made the building water tight.

But much more investment is needed before the building could be made useable again.

In the coming months the Council will invite prospective partners to assist with developing a vision and raising funds for the restoration of this Grade II listed local landmark.

Robert Sheppard