Hertfordshire-based Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Lewisham Council to deliver a new leisure centre in Forest Hill, South London.

Work is due to commence on the Roberts Limbrick Architects-designed facility in January, which will replace the existing Forest Hill Pools and feature a 25m main pool. A 16.7m learner pool; a fitness gym; two studios; a community room; and a café will also form part of the centre - the fourth leisure scheme to be approved by the council in recent years.

The Victorian facade of Forest Hill Pools will be retained as part of the development, which will also include a "pocket park" and is due for completion by the end of 2012. Lewisham Council cabinet member for community services Chris Best said: "The final design was very much the result of a strong working relationship between the architects and the stakeholder group set up to liaise with residents."

Willmott Dixon managing director Mark Tant added: "We are delighted to be given the opportunity to create a fantastic new pool in Forest Hill."