Construction work has got underway on a £5m refurbishment of Dulwich Leisure Centre in London, which will form the first phase of a wider Southwark Council-led scheme to upgrade leisure facilities in the area.

The entire scheme is expected to take 20 months to complete, and includes a revamp of the centre's 80-station gym and 27m swimming pool, enhanced changing areas and improved disabled access. Although the centre's swimming pool, créche and rear studios will be closed until spring 2010, to enable the refurbishment to be carried out, the gym and changing facilities will remain open.

Lewis Robinson, Southwark Council's executive member for culture, leisure and sport, said: "While elsewhere in the country historic swimming facilities have closed or fallen into disrepair, Southwark is investing the money to secure the long term future of our two historic Victorian Baths in Dulwich and Camberwell." Dulwich Leisure Centre, which is operated by Fusion, is one of four facilities set to undergo work as part of the Leisure Improvement Programme, with Camberwell Leisure Centre, Surrey Docks Water Sports Centre and Southwark Park Sports Complex in line for future refurbishment.