Lambeth Council is proposing re-development of the Rec Quarter in central Brixton (BRUG) has submitted a critical response

Brixton Rec Users Group were told that Lambeth want to redevelop the Pop Brixton site together with International House to build 240 affordable homes and that they wanted to consult with us as a community group active within Brixton Rec.

BRUG welcomes the proposals for affordable homes and Lambeth’s aspirations for inclusiveness and sustainability. Lambeth are presenting the proposals as part of the development and regeneration of what they call “the Rec Quarter”. This together with Lambeth’s intention to invest a significant amount of money in the Rec shows that they recognise how important the Rec is within the community. It was listed as being architecturally and culturally important in 2016.

The Pop Brixton site is a separate entity opposite the Rec and would be suitable for future homes to be developed there. Including International House as part of their proposals is an entirely new development and could impact upon the Rec in dramatic ways as they have suggested that International House could be up for demolition and included in the regeneration plans.

BRUG strongly opposes the demolition of International House which is part and parcel of the whole Brixton Rec complex. We want to see it kept as a community asset to be refurbished to provide multi-purpose use for office and workspaces within central Brixton as well as community projects to benefit local people.

There was no mention of how the sale and demolition of International House would impact upon Rec users who come to classes and activities for their physical, mental health and social purposes. The current pandemic has shown how people have been so badly affected when they’re unable to meet and mingle in a safe environment. Demolition could further disrupt the provision of services within the Rec over a prolonged period of time.

BRUG considers that the whole development process is being rushed through at the worst possible time in the middle of a global pandemic. The deadline for bidder’s expression of interest is mid-May 2021 and the selection of plans is scheduled for September 2021. There will be no time to have meaningful consultations while we are all restricted by the lockdown requirements. Little opportunity for open scrutiny of bids or time to select appropriate socially responsible bidders has been allowed.

It concerns BRUG that Site 15 is the Pop Brixton site and has never included International House. Lambeth are now linking the two separate sites without any consultation. Will Lambeth Council ignore their own planning requirements as they did when they granted planning permission for the Hondo tower?

BRUG is asking Lambeth Council to consider the benefits of refurbishing International House and use it as an opportunity to improve the whole Brixton Rec complex by integrating disabled access, energy use strategy and shared community benefits.

BRUG cannot support these Lambeth Council proposals. Brixton Recreation Centre should be at the heart of the proposals; to minimise harm to the environment and promote benefits for the community by maintaining International House as a community asset.

David Duncan (Chair, Brixton Rec Users Group)

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Brixton Recreation Centre is now Grade II listed by Historic England (BRUG) Press Release

Brixton Recreation Centre Users Group welcomes it's listing as 'a building of architectural and historic interest' Brixton Recreation Centre (the 'Rec'), a cherished local public facility, is now nationally listed by Historic England as 'a building of architectural and historic interest'.

The Rec is a landmark in Central Brixton, a hub used by more than 2000 people a day from a very diverse and changing community.

Brixton and Lambeth now have in Brixton Rec a nationally recognised recreation centre of exceptional merit, a positive heritage from a turbulent past and which opens up opportunities for an even more successful future.

The Brixton Rec User Group (BRUG) and users have long appreciated and been proud of the Rec's architectural qualities and opportunities for community activities and social interaction - the six storey naturally lit atrium, the dramatic swimming hall, the huge sports hall, all enable friendships to develop freely.

BRUG is also proud of and honours the achievements of the community clubs that use the Rec.

'The special interest of the interior (of the Rec) is the circulation atrium …'

Historic England's main reasons for listing

* Architectural interest: thoughtfully composed and proportioned, with monolithic masses bought to a human scale at street level, and with sculptural concrete forms.

* Interiors: the atrium and pool hall are dynamic, dramatic and sculptural spaces which optimise natural light, encourage interactivity, and have good-quality materials and thoughtful detailing throughout.

* One of the earliest leisure centres to combine an extensive range of activity areas ...intricately planned around a dynamic, top-lit circulation space, with long views through the building, and incorporating various ancillary facilities which root the building in the urban fabric.

* Specialist facilities: it has three separate pools dedicated to different kinds of swimmers, an unusual glazed sunbathing deck, and a climbing wall rising through the atrium.

* Architect: one of George Finch’s most important buildings and illustrating his socialist principles: to provide well-designed individual activity areas within a very cleverly-planned whole, maximising the space to include the greatest number of facilities for the public, and encouraging interaction between users. 'The special interest of the interior (of the Rec) is the circulation atrium …'

Watch a new short film by Stuart Everitt about the Rec.


Rec:Collection from Marmalade Productions on Vimeo.

Further information Brixton Recreation Centre was opened in 1985, shortly after the second Brixton uprisings.

Past uses include art workshops, Abu Shanti's famed discos, a large restaurant & bar overlooking the swimming hall and a sundeck, as well as sports facilities.

Nelson Mandela chose to visit Brixton in 1996 to a tumultuous street welcome and performances by local schools in the Rec's main sports hall.

BRUG believes the Rec is a vital community resource with the widest range of activities & facilities available for everyone within the community at affordable prices.

BRUG was formed in 2007 when the future of the Rec was under threat. Popular resistance, and a change of Council, saved it.

In 2012 BRUG again successfully campaigned to keep the Rec open.

The link to the full HE report for those who would be interested to read it is here. 

Extraordinarily successful Community Clubs centred in the Rec include Afewee football & boxing club, Brixton Wheelchair Basketballers, Brixton Topcats Basketball teams, x-Pozure Dance Academy, and South London Rollerblades. Afewee football & boxing club

The swimming pool hall is an exceptional space, lofty, sculptural and dramatic, gently top-lit...'

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Exterior Photographs

“Architectural Photography by Simon Kennedy;”

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BRUG June Newsletter REC LISTING: YOUR CONTRIBUTION MATTERS

REC LISTING: YOUR CONTRIBUTION MATTERS Tell Historic England why the Rec is important to you and your community. Historic England is currently considering the application of DOCOMOMO, an international architecture organisation, to list the Rec in recognition of its architectural, social and community significance. The Council has only guaranteed the Rec's life until 2022, after which its future is uncertain. Listing will: * Help protect the good features of the building like the pool, the atrium and sports hall * Ensure any major changes have to be more carefully managed * Oblige the Council to consult fully and justify proposed significant changes The direct personal support of users and the wider community are significant in Historic England's decision Please email Philip.Seely@HistoricEngland.org.uk, quote case No. 1434761 copy to recusergroup@btinternet.com A small selection of comments to date: The unique architecture of the Rec makes it so grand and enjoyable to come to it. This building is a true gift to Brixton... Never will the equivalent be replicated. BG The recreation centre is far far more than a building..it is the past, the present and future of what we want both London and Brixton to become. It's is a beacon of hope for human interaction. JY   To enable the people of Brixton to go each day into such a wonderful building with its spacious and unifying atrium is so appropriate for many people who of necessity live in cramped spaces is wonderful and must not be destroyed... VB (Afewee) and the building have been essential to the integration of children from deprived backgrounds and avoid a repeat in the riots, taking children off the streets from the gang-life. GL   Brixton Rec is a integral part of the Brixton community. It is an example of classy functional architecture that offers a broad range of spaces for the 'ordinary people' in a society that should value that. LR A place for the community to have fun in doing a whole heap of different things, catering for both young, older and all ages in between. A ‘Feel Good Factor' A building that looked good, a modern piece of architecture,...something for Brixton to boast about, to show off, to prove Brixton was on the up. 414 Club   Read Docomomo's application here. BRUG has submitted a statement strongly supporting the listing of the Rec. Read here.

Pics by Simon Kennedy Copyright © 2015, Brixton Rec User Group, All rights reserved.

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BRUG May News Letter 2016

REC LISTING The international architectural organisation, DOCOMOMO, has applied for the Rec to be listed in recognition of its architectural, social and community significance. BRUG is has been consulted by Docomomo and the BRUG Committee supports this application. We believe listing of the Rec will protect its unique architectural features (like the pool, the atrium and sports hall) as well as the huge range of recreational facilities for the future. A listing would celebrate and recognise the vital role the Rec has played in the cultural and social life of Brixton residents, through a history of turbulent change. Listing would ensure that any major changes proposed by the Council are more carefully managed, and would have to be explained and justified publicly. The council have committed to keeping the Rec operational until at least 2022. BRUG wants to know what their plans for the Rec are after 2022. Tell Historic England (the body that recommends listing) why the Rec is important to you. Email Philip.Seely@HistoricEngland.org.uk, with the reference 1434761 copy to recusergroup@btinternet.com. Read Docomomo's application here. BRUG has submitted a statement strongly supporting the listing of the Rec. Read here.

New Brixton Rec Forum BRUG & GLL Rec User Forum held its first meeting in April. The Purpose of the Forum is to take a positive strategic view of the activities, services, and facilities in the Rec. The Forum represents the many different types of Rec Users: gym, swimming, racket sports, bowls, exercise classes, over 55s club, community clubs, as well as BRUG and GLL. 12-15 people will attend regularly, with others invited on particular issues. It will meet quarterly. Darren Pope, Rec General Manager, Geordie Logan, Rec Operations Manager, and Sue Robinson Community Sports Officer attend for GLL and pursue Forum proposals. Main topics for the next 3 meetings: Areas for social interaction, e.g. A cafe Customer service/ customer feedback and communication strategies. Bowls- how to increase participation Read more at here. Council reinstates consultation with BRUG Cllr Jack Hopkins, the new Executive Member for Leisure & Regeneration, has reinstated the regular Rec consultation meetings with BRUG. This follows a positive meeting between him and David Duncan, BRUG Chairperson. The focus of the first meeting in July will be how the rest of the £6m money to make the Rec fit until 2022. The first expenditure was on the new boilers. Studios 1 & 2 are to be refurbished A new false ceiling will be put into studio 2 next to the bowling green. The studios brickwork will be covered by dry lining. Some aspects of lighting and ventilation are in need of attention.  Objections raised to this:  The red brickwork and the wooden floors are both functional, attractive and in good condition. They are important in the overall design of the Rec. Users think changes should be in level 1 studio only which is hot & noisy. Users want a decent silent air con unit. (From Users Survay) We would ask that GLL respect the architectural integrity of the studio spaces Please let us know what you think ASAP so we can pass on to GLL. Email: recusergroup@btinternet.com.

Pics by Simon Kennedy Copyright © 2015, Brixton Rec User Group, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: recusergroup@btinternet.com

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New Brixton Rec Forum

Studio 2 with fine brickwork and wooden floors

BRUG & GLL have set up the Rec User Forum. 

The Purpose of the Forum is to take a positive strategic view of the activities, services, facilities in the Rec.

The Forum will represent the many different types of Rec Users: gym, swimming, racket sports, bowls, exercise classes, over 55s club, community clubs, as well as BRUG and GLL. 12-15 people will attend regularly, with others invited on particular issues. It will meet quarterly. Darren Pope, Rec General Manager, Geordie Logan, Rec Operations Manager, and Sue Robinson Community Sports Officer attend for GLL and pursue Forum proposals. The inaugural meeting highlighted the following aims.

• Good communication between users and management. 

• Bring the whole of the Rec building together. Users and management. 

• Improving standards. 

• Ways to encourage more young people to use it 

• Opportunities for sports grants. 

• Consultation on changes within the building.

 Main topics for the next 3 meetings are Areas for social interaction, e.g. A cafe Customer service/ customer feedback and communication strategies. Bowls- how to increase participation All meetings will consider Cleaning Maintenance Building developments/ Future Developments Community events 

Studios 1 and 2 will be refurbished. 

A new false ceiling will be put into studio 2 next to the bowling green. The studios brickwork will be covered by dry lining. Some aspects of lighting and ventilation are in need of attention.

Objections raised to this: 

• The red brickwork and the wooden floors are both functional, attractive and in good condition. They are important in the overall design of the Rec. 

• We would ask that GLL respect the architectural integrity of the studio spaces

Darren said he will take these concerns to senior management and report back to Forum, the refurbishment of studios will mean a “fresh new look”. studio 2 looked dark and dated, this is the GLL corporate look for all the centres it manages.

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Statement in support of application no: 1434761 to list the Brixton Recreation

Statement in support of application no: 1434761 to list the Brixton Recreation Centre, 
27 Brixton Station Road, London SW9 8QQ.

photo Sean Macintosh

Brixton Recreation Centre Users Group(BRUG) supports this application for the listing of the Centre (locally called the Rec).

We request that Historic England considers our support summarised below, in conjunction with this application. BRUG is an independent voluntary organisation of Rec users : - established in 2007 in response to threatened closure; - recognised by Lambeth Council and GLL, the current management; -in 2012 Lambeth Council’s Brixton Central plan suggested possible sale and demolition of the Rec by developers; - after a BRUG led campaign and public meeting in December 2012, the Council leader Lib Peck committed to securing the future of the Rec; - The Council and GLL agreed to regular consultation with BRUG. Social and Community Significance of the Rec: - Brixton Recreation Centre is a vital hub providing a focus for a cohesive and vibrant community; - it is located in the heart of Brixton; - well served by all forms of public transport; - adjacent to well patronised market and eating / entertainment venues; - many diverse communities use the Rec - Afro-Caribbean / British /Latin American and many more; - the Rec is the only place where everyone can meet and interact to develop personal interests and friendships; - the opening of the Rec following the enquiry by Lord Scarman into the riots in the 1980’s, was seen as addressing the lack of sports and leisure provision in Lambeth, especially for young people; - Nelson Mandela visited the Rec in 1996 to address the local community. Upon his death a huge outpouring of thanks and sorrow from all communities was recorded in books of condolence BRUG submitted to the South African High Commission; - several community sports clubs are based in the Rec providing routes to personal growth and sporting success to mostly disadvantaged local kids - Afewee Training Centre run football and boxing activities and several of their young people have represented England in football (Nat Clyne and Rinsola Babajide) and others play for professional clubs; - Topcats Basketball club had many players in Team GB at the 2012 Olympic Games and others have gone on to play in the American NBA; - Xpozure Dance group have had dancers go on to the Royal Ballet, Ballet Rambert and the Brits School. A Local Community Asset : - the Rec is a safe and happy meeting space in an otherwise deprived community; - it is heavily used with on average 76,000 visits every month; - is spread over 6 levels, activities include bowls, 3 gyms, 3 pools, many exercise and dance studios, a huge sports hall,a football pitch, squash courts and nursery and soft play spaces for toddlers; - all the spaces radiate from a light filled central atrium; - the versatility of the design enables spaces to be adapted for a multiplicity of uses - the football pitch becomes a mosque and a Christian church group use a dance studio, while the sports hall has the basketball ,roller derby and racket sports and exam students.

Robyn Dasey (Secretary of BRUG) David Duncan (Chairperson of BRUG)

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