Image: Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock with pupils from Sydenham School at the reopened pool

Forest Hill Pools leisure centre in Lewisham, South London has reopened following an £8.9m redevelopment of its facilities.

Designed by Roberts Limbrick Architects and built by Willmott Dixon, the venue is owned by Lewisham Council and operated by Fusion Lifestyle.

The improved facilities at the centre now include a 25m swimming pool with spectator area, a 16.7m learner pool and health club with two exercise studios.

As part of the works, the Victorian frontage of the historic pools - which first opened in 1884 - has been retained.

Peter Kay, chief executive of Fusion Lifestyle, said: "We're looking forward to re-establishing the centre as the iconic leisure facility in the community.

"We recognise our responsibility to look after this treasured local asset and we look forward to working with the community to ensure that the pools have a long, successful and sustainable future."