Brixton Rec application for listing-please support

[Gramsci]

An application has been put into Historic England to list the Brixton Rec. This will protect it in the future.

The organisation who put in the listing are Docomomo

The latest BRUG newsletter has links to the application by Docomomo. Its being supported by the Brixton Rec Users Group committee.

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@HistoricEngand.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.

 

[brixtonblade]

Is there any particular information we should put in the email or is it sufficient to say "I support listing"?

 

[Gramsci]

Is there any particular information we should put in the email or is it sufficient to say "I support listing"?

If you wish to support the listing write about what the Rec means you. What aspects of it you like.

For example some people have said the Atrium encourages people to mix. Some like the way the swimming pool is full of light and has views across the railway line.

It has a social significance for many. Nelson Mandela came there for example.

It was designed as a social space not just for sports. I feel some of this use has been lost over the years.

 

[Gramsci]

Is there any particular information we should put in the email or is it sufficient to say "I support listing"?

You can look at the links in the OP to read what the BRUG committee and Docomomo have said.

Reason we did not do a template letter is that Historic England are more interested in what people feel themselves rather than getting a load of emails that are all the same.

 

[Gramsci]

Latest newsletter from BRUG

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.

 

[Gramsci]

I have been on two stalls telling people about the listing application. Its very interesting chatting to people about the Rec.

Many relate it to what is happening to the rest of Brixton. For many users the Rec represents a Brixton that is going ( diverse and mixed for all) As one said the rest of Brixton will be just for "those with money" ( once the arches have gone). Thats why they feel strongy about the Rec.

The Arches come up regularly. As they are just outside the Rec and under threat. Had one parent and her child praising "Potent Whisper" for coming to there school. editor

The architecture of the Rec is a democratic architecture. It works. It always surprises me the number of ordinary people who "get it" - of all ages/

The original concept of a "Peoples Palace" works in practise. Its a very good example of how architecture can work as a political , not just practical, idea. Its stood the test of time.

I know the listing of the covered markets did not protect them from ending up the way they did. A successful listing of the Rec is different. This is still a publicly owned building. Listing is one part of trying to keep one corner of Brixton as a space for all. It will give the building and the ideas behind the original design added status.

 

[Gramsci]

Heard there are three more weeks to get comments into Historic England.

 

[Winot]

Great news - they got it:

Brixton’s Rec and platform sculptures win Historic England listing

 

[editor]

Covered in more depth here Historic England give Brixton Recreation Centre Grade II listed status

(It was published first too, btw).

Anyway, the main thread for the Rec is here: Brixton Rec/ central Brixton consultation.

 

[CH1]

There is a TV report here from London Live channel 8: Black British history recognised with Grade II listings

The bit that interested me was the listing of the three Brixton SR station bronze statues - one of which is hidden from view as it is on the disused platform three - the Catford Loop platform (closed in the 1920s I think - possibly teuchter might clarify)

 

[teuchter]

Excellent news. It's a great building and Gramsci's "People's Palace" reference is spot on (see also the Royal Festival Hall). Not being much of an indoor sports type person, other than a couple of times in the swimming pool my main experience of it was when they used to run the University of Dub night in there, and it worked pretty well for that too... I seem to remember little food stalls being set up on the balconies in the atrium.