Help us save the swimming pool in the Student Central building, a vital resource for students in London.
Birkbeck University is finalising the purchase of the lease on the Student Central building from the University of London. The University of London has now told students that the swimming pool and gym will be closing permanently.
The Student Central building is a key facility for all students in Bloomsbury and London and the pool is a unique facility used by thousands of students. The pool is the largest in central London and closing the facility will hit students and the local community hard. Clubs that use the pool provide opportunities for students to find a community, develop, compete, and improve their mental health through physical activity - these clubs are now left without a home. The pool is used by clubs in the local community too, staff across the University of London and people of all backgrounds who enjoy swimming.
When so much effort is spent improving the health and wellbeing of people in our community of universities and beyond, removing this precious resource comes as direct opposition to the values and mission of the University of London. Namely, to enable social good, to transform people’s lives through education, and to strengthen bonds across regional, national, cultural, economic and political boundaries.
Join us in our call to SAVE OUR POOL and keep it open for students, staff and the local community.
Use #SaveUoLPool on Twitter or Instagram, and follow our campaign account SaveUoLPool. Tag us @TheUnionUCL on Twitter, and @studentsunionucl on Instagram, and remember to tag @BirkbeckUoL and @UoLondon too.
We've now sent the open letter and signatures below to the leadership of Birkbeck and the University of London.