S&P Architects has been appointed by Southwark Council and Lend Lease to design a new leisure centre on part of a site occupied by an existing facility in South London.

The firm, which is working alongside Zaha Hadid on the London 2012 Aquatics Centre, will draw up plans for the venue to the rear of the Elephant & Castle Leisure Centre site. A six-lane, 25m swimming pool; a learner pool; a four-court sports hall; and a gym are to be included as part of the facility, along with a spinning room and exercise studios.

Meanwhile, Squire and Partners has been appointed to design a residential project that is set to occupy the front of the current leisure centre site, fronting St Mary's Churchyard Park. It follows the signing of an agreement between the council and Lend Lease allowing the sale of part of the leisure centre site for the residential development.

A full consultation is due to take place later this year in order to display design options. The two sites will be treated as separate planning applications, due for submission next year. Southwark Council cabinet member for regeneration and corporate strategy Fiona Colley said: "The leisure centre project will be of huge interest to the public, and will form part of a hub of cultural, leisure and shopping opportunities for visitors and people living locally."

It is hoped the leisure centre will open in spring 2014, with the residential building to follow in spring 2016. Image: flickr/Matt From London