[2] In January 2007 the council had decided to "provide up to £1.5 million capital funding to ensure that the Centre stays open with its current facilities.

[14] On 1 October 1892, the Commissioners marked the opening of Camberwell Baths by inviting the Lord Mayor of London, accompanied by City Aldermen, the Chief Magistrate and a display of "brazen instruments, the prancing of sleek City horses, gorgeous equipage, ornately attired footmen, flags and banners".

[15] A guard of honour was provided by the First Surrey Rifles as the visiting dignitaries entered Artichoke Row.

Guests included MPs for the Borough, Members of the London County Council, the architects, Spalding and Cross as well as the builders, Balaam Brothers.

[15] The chairman of the Commissioners, James Tresidder Sears, said that he "sincerely trusted that better health, brighter homes and happier lives would be the outcome of the continued use of these establishments."

After a speech by the Lord Mayor, the pool was opened with a first plunge taken by boys from twelve neighbouring Board schools.

Miss Nellie Easton and her pupils were to give a "most interesting and pretty" display of swimming and floating.

[15] The swimming baths were shut during the winter months, and floors were laid over them to convert them for use for other sports and entertainments.

Camberwell used the space for indoor cricket and tennis, as well as dances, concerts and other civic events and celebrations.