Ice Rink, Streatham High Road

Image: © Stephen Richards Taken: Unknown

A fine building which immediately evokes the 1930s (the current colour scheme is fairly recent). Long and low in a "moderne" style, its horizontality counterbalanced by tall, narrow windows. At the ends are Art Deco doorways below keystoned windows. The architect was Robert Cromie who usually specialised in cinemas. The rink itself covers 21,000 sq ft, enough for 1,000 skaters. They'll have to find somewhere else to go for a time as the ice rink 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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