Lewisham Council has announced that work has commenced on the construction of a new leisure centre in Forest Hill, South London.

Willmott Dixon has been appointed to build the Roberts Limbrick-designed facility, which will occupy the site of the former Forest Hill Pools and is due to open in late 2012. A 25m main swimming pool; a 16.7m learner pool; a fitness gym; two studios; a café; and a community room will comprise the line-up of facilities at the new complex.

Forest Hill Leisure Centre - the fourth leisure scheme green lighted by the council in recent years - will retain the Victorian façade of its predecessor. Lewisham mayor Sir Steve Bullock said: "We are well on target to ensure the leisure centre is open to the public by the end of 2012."