Downham Health and Leisure Centre: Lewisham, London

Project description

The centre is a neighbourhood facility with an estimated catchment area of 20 minutes' drive time. However, it does attract customers from further afield for swimming galas and some school events. The leisure centre, GP surgeries and library make up the largest proportion of the centre.

Aims and objectives

The facility aims to provide excellent health, information, leisure and cultural facilities.

Services offered

The centre offers a wide range of services, including:

• 25m swimming pool and teaching pool  
• First class changing facilities
• Community hall that can be hired by local community groups
• Multi-purpose studio for martial arts and classes
• Health care facilities, GP surgeries, community health, specialist community dental practice
• Youth IT facilities
• State of the art library
• Floodlit astroturf area
• Cafe to relax after your activity or arrange to meet friends
• Harpers Fitness Suite
• Aerobics studio featuring a programme of the latest classes

Benefits of co-location

Success factors

Services have developed a community engagement plan which means they can act together. They can also inform, and engage with, local people and organisations.

Risk factors

The schedule for the building work was very tight and there were risks that it might not be completed as agreed. Use may not be as great as expected because of limited car parking however a green travel plan aims to tackle some of this.

Business/operational model

The centre is managed by Leisure Connection.

Financing and delivery/procurement

Measurement and monitoring

A management board oversees the full project through a management agreement between Lewisham Council and Linteum Limited. The facility has a clear self-monitoring system which is based on outcomes with a linked payment mechanism. The subsidy takes the form of PFI credits.