Thread by @Andrewwood17

@going4golds and I did a tour yesterday of St Georges Baths in Shadwell which remains closed & whose future is being decided next week - I wrote a report on Facebook including pics
Will do a Twitter thread later laying out key issues
But here are some
1/
facebook.com/groups/1942479…

pictures of key issues we saw
Lots of rust in the building, most seriously in the iron bars within the concrete this is the most serious issue but how widespread is it?
Two areas had been exposed on the side walls but is it also in the ceiling?
2/

This is staff hallway - netting installed to catch things dropping from the ceiling as there is a lot of damage to the ceiling areas
Staff areas not nice
2/

main pool has some broken tiles & needs a clean
And there was a leak of water from bathroom pipes (but not toilets) into the small training pool
3/

But the main pool is very impressive with light streaming in from four sides
And at 33 meters long & 15 meters wide it is bigger then many new pools & has diving boards
You can understand why so many want to save the existing pool
4/

But the gym space & the studio were added later by adapting the old cafe & laundry spaces
But both small & oddly shaped limiting appeal of site to non-swimmers
5/

Also had a look at the basement plant room underneath the main pool
Only 2 narrow staircases provide access
Plant must have been installed & then building built around it
Makes replacement very difficult
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The baths are in a lovely setting (if you ignore the south side on the Highway)
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I later also visited the John Orwell sports centre in Wapping
In much better condition but also lots of space to expand sports facilities & add new housing (not sure why not already done)
Lots of things a new Mayor could do
8/

Will tweet later about key issues related to St Georges baths but in summary does it need to be rebuilt and can pool be re-opened on a temporary basis or more permanent basis?
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