Campaign launched to save central London’s largest pool
Central London’s largest pool is at risk of closing permanently. Birkbeck University are finalising the purchase of the lease on the Student Central building from the University of London - and they plan to remove the pool and social facilities as part of the redevelopment of the building.
Students’ Union UCL have launched a campaign to save the pool, with an open letter to the Vice-Chancellors of the University of London and Birkbeck University being signed by more than 1,300 students, members of the community and academic staff within two weeks of launching.
There is a significant lack of social or activity space for the 70,000+ students studying at UCL, SOAS, Rada, Birkbeck and other universities based in Bloomsbury. As we emerge from the pandemic, the value of face-to-face, in-person opportunities to socialise, network and stay healthy has never been more apparent. Birkbeck’s plan to remove access to physical activity facilities will impact thousands of students and members of the local community.
Students’ Union UCL Activities Officer, Ilyas Benmouna, said “There is rightly increased focus on health and wellbeing as we adjust to life post-pandemic. Birkbeck’s decision feels cruel, and out of step with our national priorities. I feel gutted for the students who will no longer have access to somewhere to swim. Let’s hope we can get Birkbeck to see sense ”.
The pool is the largest in central London and there are no alternative pools nearby. All central London pools are heavily used, and none have the capacity to absorb the current users from Student Central. Because of the size and depth of the pool, the closest equivalent is over 45 minutes away in Bethnal Green.
Local Councillor for Bloomsbury, Rishi Madlani (Labour), said via Twitter “Maintaining our limited sports & recreational spaces is really important & this has been an asset to Bloomsbury residents, beyond the universities”
The pool was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother who would regularly watch swimming galas from an overhanging Royal Box. The pool is used by thousands of people in the local area and Students’ Union UCL is hopeful that a community-led campaign will make Birkbeck reconsider their decision.
NOTES:
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The Student Central building, formerly the University of London Union, was built in 1952 comprising a gym, live music venues, catering venues, office and teaching space, and swimming pool.
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The University of London Union building was designed by the firm Adams, Holden and Pearson in 1939 and completed in 1955. Charles Holden was a renowned architect and responsible for designing many London Underground stations and Senate House.
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Students’ Union UCL is the representative body for UCL’s 48,000 students and supports more than 320 student groups to make more happen at UCL.
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Ilyas Benmouna is the elected Students’ Union UCL Activities Officer, and is leading the Save Our Pool campaign. Ilyas can be reached via [email protected] for media enquiries.
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The open letter to the University of London and Birkbeck University can be read here
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The University of London closed the pool in line with Government Covid guidance in 2020, and announced on 30 April 2021 that the pool will not be reopening.
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71,625 students are recorded to be studying in Bloomsbury at Birkbeck, Bloomsbury Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New College of the Humanities, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, SOAS, The University of Law, and University College London in the academic year 2019-20 www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/students/where-study#provider