'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.
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