November Newsletter

Lambeth spending £6 million on the Rec  Lambeth have 'ear marked' up to £6m to upgrade the Rec to ensure that it meets all current fire, safety, mechanical and electrical standards. This spending commitment will cover the estimated 4 - 7 years for the Council to develop detailed plans and secure funding for long term refurbishment works. The Council wants to have no partial or complete closure while this initial work is done. BRUG will be...

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DOCOMOMO Talk Brixton Rec 27th Oct

"The building should be protected" said post war 20C architectural expert Phillip Boyle at the fascinating recent BRUG open meeting. He and some other Architects argue the Rec should be 'listed,to strengthen sustainable sensitive management and provide meaningful consultation over changes to the building.  Please listen to the unedited audio of the meeting below. A written transcript will be available shortly. ...

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Lambeth Architecture 1965-99

I have just ordered Edmund Bird's and Fiona Price's new book Lambeth Architecture 1965-99.  It is of particular interest to BRUG as it has quite a bit of information on Brixton Recreation Centre and on it's architect George Finch. So I am really looking forward to receiving my copy. There is one point relevant to the cost of the rec that is not mentioned in the book, I quote: “...but it took 12 years to complete due to funding crises and labour...

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BRUG Newsletter September 2015

AFEWEE BOXING CLUB Want to box competitively or for fun? Afewee, a community-based club, runs boxing classes for girls and boys, men and women, of all abilities. Boxing classes started in May 2014 and Afewee was recognised as a competitive club affiliated to the London Amateur Boxing Association in February 2015. They now run 8 classes per week for kids (under 11), juniors (11-18 years) and seniors (19+) plus adult Boxfit. There are 15-20...

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Open Day at Brixton Rec

On Saturday 4th July, Brixton Recreation Centre opened it's doors to the public for it's annual open day. The day was a great success with GLL/Better working closely with Afewee Boxing, Brixton Topcats, Brixton Ballers Wheelchair Basketball Club, England Squash and Racquetball and London Early Years Foundation. Darren Pope, General Manager said, "We have had an amazing day with over 550 people of all ages taking part in a new sport. We hope...

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Brug Newsletter July 2015

Funding the Rec: Facts and Myths Many stories circulate about who finances the Rec and the state of the building. We've done a helpful summary of the myths and facts... Myth: The Council subsidises the Rec. The Council repeatedly argued it could not afford to continue to subsidise the Rec when it was threatening to close it in 2012. Fact: The Rec users who visit 700,000 times a year generate considerable surpluses. Under...

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BRUG reponse to the Feasibility Study of Brixton Recreation Centre

Brixton Rec User Group is in discussion with Lambeth Council on the future of Brixton Recreation Centre. This includes prices and community access: the building's design, facilities and energy sustainability, Please read BRUG's detailed comments and the Council's response below: Or download the PDF. BRUGs RESPONSE TO THE FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE REC “Architectural Photography by Simon Kennedy;”  BRIXTON RECREATION CENTRE USER GROUP...

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BRUG Response to Council's Culture 2020 Consultation,

Brixton Rec User Group is discussing how the Rec's future can be secured with a pricing structure that allows affordable access to the whole community. In our letter to Cllr Edbrooke, Cabinet member for Leisure & Culture, we have given a detailed response to concerns raised in the 2020 Consultation, including the proposed digital hub, affordability and community led activities. “Architectural Photography by Simon Kennedy; See below...

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BRUG Open Meeting Wednesday 27th May 2015

Lambeth council especially wants to encourage groups of people who would particularly benefit from being more physically active. Here's what BRUG thinks: High Pay-As-You-Go prices for classes and facilities will put people off. Disability access is a big factor for other people. These voices should be heard and have an influence as the Rec is being refurbished. Here are some things people have said to us before: "It costs too much - £6.20...

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BRUG supporting the "Save Brixton Arches" campaign

BRUG supporting the "Save Brixton Arches" campaign. 25th April 2015  Photograph Caroline Christian  Photograph Emma Calder Banner Coco Cripps Stellas, one of the shops that is threatened with eviction by Network Rail Photograph Emma Calder This video was just posted on the Brixton Buzz web-site. Here's what they say about it: "The 10 minute video posted by Latin Brixton explores the issues of the day, interviews traders...

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