Construction work has begun on a new leisure centre in Lewisham.

The Loampit Vale Leisure Centre will include two swimming pools - an eight-lane, 25m competition pool and a 20m training pool - a 100-station fitness club, two group exercise studios, a climbing wall, a crèche and a café.

Plans also include a full-service health and beauty spa.

The centre has been designed by LA Architects, who worked with specialist arts advisors Futurecity and local artist Phil Coony on plans to use the façade of the building as an art installation.

The centre will form part of the larger regeneration plans for Loampit Vale, which include the building of 788 new homes, commercial and retail units, new public spaces and space for creative industries.

The site was chosen as the location for the borough's new leisure centre after a public consultation in June 2007 and the council appointed developer Barratts to the scheme in November 2008.

Sir Steve Bullock: "The new centre will provide 21st Century leisure facilities as part of the Council's plans to transform the town centre. We continue to invest in leisure facilities across the borough and this decision will ensure facilities remain open while the new pool is being built."