Swimming Pool, Streatham High Road

Image: © Stephen Richards Taken: Unknown

Designed by Wandsworth's Borough Architect, Ernest Elford, in a style typical of Edwardian civic architecture. Basically classical - symmetrical, brick, quoins - with some mildly idiosyncratic detailing. Construction was completed in 1927. The pool is scheduled for demolition as part of the Streatham Hub development. It is within the Streatham High Road and Streatham Hill Conservation Area. The course of Streatham High Road has been a major highway between London and Sussex since Roman times. Its current appearance is largely attributable to two major spells of development. The first was during the late C19th following the opening of Streatham Hill station in 1856, and the second was after 1911 when the line to Victoria was electrified. Though much-maligned and undoubtedly blighted by heavy traffic, closer examination reveals that the road is lined with a number of interesting buildings, some of which reflect the period between the wars when Streatham was a fashionable centre of entertainment. Information from Lambeth Council (http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/exeres/CE4B5CE1-0387-40ED-B5A9-273A5160C34A.htm ). Update: demolished in late 2011.

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