Downham centres opens as “community hub”

The £12.7m Downham Health and Leisure Centre has opened in south-east London offering locals a ‘joined up” approach to community health and wellbeing.

A PFI project, the key organisations involved in the development include Leisure Connection, Barclays Bank and PFI specialists Linteum, with a contract that spans 32 years.

The centre comprises a two-storey building offering leisure, health, library and other community related services.

Health and leisure facilities include a 25m, six-lane pool; a learner pool; fitness suite; activity studios; a badminton court; café and crèche. There are also two GP surgeries, a dental practice and community healthcare facilities.

The centre is managed by Downham Lifestyles Ltd, a leisure independent & provident society, in partnership with the London Borough of Lewisham and operated by Leisure Connection Ltd.

Ben Beevers, centre manager, says: “The local community have been waiting patiently for their new leisure centre and we hope this fulfils their expectations. There is something for everyone and all ages here; it really is a hub for the community.”