Forum Topic

Hounslow Pools and Libraries

Phew - at long last Isleworth Pool is open after refurbishment. While I 'suffered' whilst New Chiswick Pool and then Isleworth Pool were shut for refurbishment, it is great that they are now both looking good and open for business. I would like to say that I think the leisure offer in Hounslow is pretty good and the two pools are looking great. So thanks for that Hounslow and Fusion. Out of interest - where does Fusion fit in if the services have been taken back in house?While I am here, is there any more news on the refurbishment of Brentford Library and the demolishment and replacement of Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, a place which I for whatever reason tend to avoid.

Anne England ● 2417d6 Comments

I guess it's coming from the Department for Education budget. I believe they have decided there's a lack of adult education facilities in Hounslow (and maybe elsewhere). SOmething similar is happening at Feltham and I think Bedfont libraries.Just write in support of the plan when the planning application is published!

Guy Lambert ● 2414d

the Brentford library plan sounds like an excellent one. How come central govt will fund it? Is there anything locals can do to help make it happen?

Judy Rees ● 2414d

Fusion is an external contractor (a charity, originally coming from a local authority, I think Southwark) and they run only the leisure centres and a few smaller facilities (like Isleworth Public Hall, last time I looked).The libraries are run directly in-house by LBH and all the staff are council officers. This change was made by negotiation prior to the collapse of Carillion in mid 2017. The service is putting together a planning application for Brentford Library to provide a lift in this listed building. This will allow the upper floor to be refitted at the expense of central government to make 3 classrooms for adult education. The classrooms will be available for other uses outside adult ed sessions. It will also cover improvements to the existing toilets which will then be available to library users (from either floor)!Parks are run by Greenspace360, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the council. This change from Carillion was planned for march 2018 but was brought forward following Carillion's collapse.There is an intention to redevelop the Fountain centre, however this is still in the discussion stage.

Guy Lambert ● 2417d

Okay, I don't quite understand it all to be honest. I believe Fusion run the libraries and pools though and have done since before the collapse of Carillion, I think. I would be interested to know whether Fusion is part of Greenspace 360.

Anne England ● 2417d

I would just like to point out that the Leisure services have NOT been taken back 'in house' by Hounslow. they have been taken over by a council contractor Greenspace 360, replacing the not lamented Carillion. To be truly 'in-house' there would have to be directly employed council officers running things and there are not - they are employees of Greenspace. I'm afraid the days of councils actually running things directly have gone the way of the Dodo, more's the pity.

Vanessa Smith ● 2417d

Sorry I can't help re the Library and the Fountain.  I wondered what the future is for the old Brentford Baths.  Are there any plans for refurbishment?

Pat Kingham ● 2417d