Centre for sports ‘ready for 2006’

9:16am Friday 29th July 2005

DEFIANT council bosses claim a multi-million pound leisure centre will be ready on time despite fresh delays in securing funding.

Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock says the Downham Lifestyles Centre is on track and will be opened by the end of next year.

But the council admits it has still not settled on a financial package to pay for the £70m development.

This has raised concerns the scheme, already beset by delays, will once again be put back.

The leisure centre, which will also house community facilities including a creche and two GP surgeries, was originally due for completion last year.

After a series of delays, this date was put back to November 2006.

Now Lewisham Council says it has reached "commercial close" but has not yet finalised a Private Finance Initiative package with preferred bidder Leisure Connection to fund the centre.

Duncan Peterkin, of Walters Road, Downham, says it is time an alternative finance option was considered.

He said: "It seems to me someone is dragging their heels.

"The council should tell them it has had enough and get someone else in. This has gone on long enough."

The 56-year-old added: "I'm worried we won't get our centre and will end up with just another housing block."

Downham ward councillor Mark Morris said: "I do not see how they can make a definite announcement on dates when we are still waiting for the final go-ahead.

"I hope I am wrong but it strikes me as wishful thinking."

Liberal Democrat Cllr Morris asked Mr Bullock to confirm the opening date at a council meeting on July 20.

In a written response, the mayor said: "Although there have been delays, the terms agreed are the best available to the council and will provide state-of-the-art facilities for residents from the end of 2006."