|
|
|
www.save-lambs-squash-club.co.uk
|
30-Mar-05: Islington Gazette
'Home of squash' faces demolition
THE "HOME of Squash" is set to be demolished to make way for a
nine-storey block of flats.
 Lambs Squash Club, in Lamb's Passage, Finsbury, is considered the
squash equivalent of Wimbledon.
It has nine courts and around 1,400 members, and ex-world champion
Jahangir Khan has described it as the "best club I have ever played
at" and the "most famous squash club in the world".
It was opened in 1979 by former British squash star Mike Corby and
is the flagship club in a chain of 14.
But Mr Corby is about to retire and sold the freehold for the site
for £4million in September.
Now developers Clan Real Estate have revealed plans to knock down
the centre at the end of the year and replace it with a nine-storey
block of flats and office units.
 Members have launched a campaign to save the club, which will be
left homeless if the proposal goes ahead. Objectors have until April
7 to to contact Islington Council's planning department.
Lambs Squash Club member Ken Pottinger, 57, who is organising the
campaign, said: "We mustn't allow the club to be destroyed. All the
world-famous squash players have played there. It is one of the
oldest sports clubs in London and home to many world famous
players."
The members are calling on Islington Council to turn down Clan Real
Estate's planning application. So far 29 official letters of
objection have been sent to the planning department.
Club member Tariq Tahir added: "It is the spiritual home of the
game. Members are very upset about it."
Councillor Bridget Fox (Liberal Democrat), Islington's executive
member for sustainability, said: "I'm aware a planning application
has been submitted to the council to develop a building in Lambs
Passage. As with all planning applications all residents, businesses
and community groups will be able to have their say and if residents
feel strongly I would encourage them to take this chance."
"When this comes to committee, councillors will have to decide not
only whether the proposals meet planning guidance but also if they
are acceptable for the community as a whole.
'Home of squash' faces demolition
Islington Gazette
|
23-Mar-05:
LAMBS CLUB TO BE DEMOLISHED ...
Famously described as "the best squash club in the world" by none
other than Jahangir Khan, Lambs Club in the heart of the City of
London is under threat of demolition after being taken over by new
owners.
Members are fighting back, and have set up a website for squash fans
to register their support ...
www.save-lambs-squash-club.co.uk
|
LETTER
TO MEMBERS
Your squash club to be demolished, help save it
Dear Lambs Squash Player,
Lambs has been sold to Clan Real Estate with funding from RBS Royal
Bank of Scotland. The building will be demolished.
Lambs, one of the oldest sports clubs in London (est. 1881) and home
to many world famous players (Peter Nicol, John White etc) will
disappear.
We want to save it
We need help from property lawyers, structured finance buyout
specialists, etc What you can do for now:
File a planning objection online see below Join our campaign
Volunteer some expertise Send us some bright ideas ... |
|
