Open Letter – Please Reopen Ladywell Arena
Letter to Mayor - Reopen Ladywell Arena
24th August 2020
Re: Reopening of Ladywell Arena
Dear Lewisham Mayor and Cabinet members,
Kent Athletic Club ask that you prioritise and fast track the re-opening of Ladywell Arena – so that this invaluable local asset can be used again to its full potential, both by Kent Athletic Club, other local community groups and members of the public.
The awarding of the Leisure Services contract to a new operator is good news for residents and users after such a long period of closure.
Kent Athletic Club wants to help the council and its new operator prioritise the reopening of Ladywell Arena as quickly as possible. Members need access to the track, and the facilities for changing and storage when training on the track and in the surrounding parks and streets.
Ladywell Arena is the home of Kent Athletic Club where a growing membership of athletes, coaches and volunteers of all ages from the diverse population of Lewisham and the surrounding area meet up. Despite having two Olympians, and a third likely to feature at Tokyo Olympics, anyone and everyone is made welcome at our inclusive club. We are a local club with 40% of Kent AC members living within a mile of the Arena and 60% within 3 miles.
Sport and activity are critical for the mental and physical well-being of many of our members, and importantly the younger generation who are impacted greatly by this pandemic. We are more than a sport; we are a community too. Ladywell Arena also provides a home to several other community groups, including football and disability sport.
Yours sincerely,
Alan Curtis
President Kent Athletic Club