Hi Mark, hope you're well. Why on Earth is it taking so long to get
Yorkhall up and running again? There is nowhere like it-I miss it and
I am sure many others do also. If, when reopened, they change the
policy of rubbing etc it was destroy everything that is unique and
special...what's the old saying: if it aint broke, don't fix it.
Maybe make the surroundings a little more plush, but don't fix it.
Hope everyone is well. Where is everyone going these days? Best, A




--- In Yorkhall@..., "Mark Mitchell"
<mark.mitchell@r...> wrote:
>
> Dear Users,
>
> the notes below are the points I remember. Please feel free to
> feedback to the group your own recollections.
>
> In the text GLL/TH = Response from GLL/Tower Hamlets representatives
>
> Best Regards Mark
>
> York Hall User Group Meeting 6th March 2006
>
> The pool, Gym, Turkish baths and Laundry were discussed
>
> 1. Pool
>
> The pool will need to be closed for about a month while the new
> boilers and pipe work are fitted. Alternative pool available at
Mile
> end.
>
> Users requested that opening hours at Mile End are extended to
cover
> the same times as at York hall. Mile end closes the pool at 20:00
> some evenings.
>
> GLL/TH : Agreed to consider this.
> The wet side changing rooms will be upgraded in phases such that
> access to the pool is maintained throughout.
>
> 2. Gym
>
> Users pointed out that the area reserved for special needs is not
> being used either in the evenings or during the day.
>
> GLL/TH : The area is multipurpose and in other centres such areas
> once developed and promoted become successful.
>
> 3 . Turkish Baths
>
> The project is still in the planning stage. The reason given for
the
> slow progress was that it had taken time to complete the surveys,
> understand the condition of the building and develop a solution
> taking guidance from various experts.
>
> Users expressed concern that so little actual progress had been
made
> since the baths were closed on 24-9-5, over 5 months ago.
>
> TH/GLL : The original planned reopening date back in September 05
> was April 06 however no opening date was given at the meeting.
>
> TH/GLL : The project manager hoped that the plans will be finalised
> by the end of the month so the work can be put out to tender.
>
> TH/GLL : No indication was given as to how long the tender process
> would take or the time to carry out the refurbishment work.
> The plans presented did not vary significantly from those seen at
> the previous meeting. The changes are included in the text below.
>
> The new proposal was described by following a typical visit. I have
> set down the points made in the same order.
>
> Users will enter past a reception area.
>
> 4 treatment rooms will be available
> Users asked if the traditional practice of rubs and schmising would
> continue.
>
> GLL/ TH : The issue needed to be considered further and appreciated
> that feedback gathered from the user group in the past had clearly
> demonstrated that users felt this was an important issue if the
> traditions of the baths be continues.
>
> Users were concerned that commercial interests from spa therapy
> services would conflict with the need to maintain the established
> practices of rubbing and schmising. Traditions that were practiced
> at many East End baths but were forced to end as the baths were
> closed one by one throughout the area.
>
> Users asked about pricing
>
> GLL/TH : Pricing policy has not been agreed however the target user
> profile of the centre reflects TH's resident profile.
> Additional showers and toilets have been added to the the design in
> the changing areas. Around 80 lockers will be provided.
>
> Users asked that lockers be large enough to store winter outdoor
> clothing.
>
> GLL/TH : Additional lockers in corridors will be considered.
> The changing room design has 2 separate changing areas allowing for
> both single sex and mixed use.
>
> Users asked if single sex sessions would be programmed.
>
> GLL/TH : No definitive answer was available as policy had not been
> formally agreed.
>
> A water fountain has been added to the centre of the hamman area.
>
> Off the hamman area a sauna with ramp access will be installed in
> the old toilet area.
>
> Users pointed out the need for a design where the internal
structure
> can be removed completely for deep cleaning.
>
> GLL/TH : Hygiene is a key issue considered in both design and
> operation.
>
> Showers will be installed where the existing washbasins.
>
> Users requested an additional shower be put near to the exit of
the
> steam room so users can shower immediately after the steam bath.
> An alternative would be to put a shower inside the steam room (this
> was not proposed at the meeting)
>
> GLL/TH : An additional shower will be considered.
> The set of 3 hot rooms will remain as now the marble benches will
be
> cleaned or replaced if too damaged with similar material.
>
> The plunge pool may have to remain at the existing level because
the
> water table is close to the level of the existing floor and a
sunken
> plunge would result in plumbing problems. Access to the plunge will
> have to be redesigned. The implication being the plunge would need
> to be smaller to accommodate properly designed access steps.
>
> Users made the point that the depth of the existing pool needed to
> be maintained.
>
> GLL/TH : Agreed that this would be part of the design.
>
> An ice making machine is planned for the right hand side of the
> plunge. The ice would be produced in "slush puppy" form rather than
> cubes and the excess would fall into the plunge to keep it cool.
>
> A additional fire escape is planned that would run from beside the
> right hand side of the plunge. This would replace a part of the
> existing steam room.
>
> The 2 steam rooms would be rectangular. The larger would have a
> window opening on to the corridor.
>
> Users pointed out the at present the smaller, hotter steam room has
> a wall dividing it with an open door. This creates 2 areas, one
> markedly hotter than the other.
>
> GLL/TH : Agreed to consider this as part of the design
>
> Users requested that the benches be at least shoulder width deep
and
> that water be provided in the steam rooms for sluicing down the
> surfaces.
>
> GLL/TH : Agreed to consider this as part of the design
>
> Benches in the steam rooms will be in marble or similar material,
> not wood.
>
> 3. Laundry
>
> Still problems over which department should manage the laundry.
>
> 4. AOB
>
> Users pointed out that the meeting had not been advertised widely.
>
> GLL/TH : Agreed and will try to ensure the next meeting is
> communicated better.
>