Building work is progressing on the £14.7m redevelopment of the Atherton Leisure Centre in Stratford, London.

The old building is to be replaced by a progressive structure used to house two community swimming pools, as well as a gym and fitness studios.

Other facilities at the new development include a creche, play area and a café.

The new structure is to feature a more concerted focus on sustainability; with the building featuring an eco-friendly system, used to convert waste heat into electricity.

The centre’s roof is also to harvest rainwater, while helping to form a living surface covered in recycled soil, which will provide a habitat for plants and wildlife to flourish in.

Newham council has decided to replace the old facility because of maintenance costs and high levels of asbestos in the old property.

The redeveloped Atherton Leisure Centre is expected to be open for use in the autumn of 2015.