BUILDING work has started on the long-awaited Downham Lifestyles Project.

Construction firm Alfred McAlpine Ltd, who are carrying out the work on behalf of Lewisham Council, started construction of the £16m centre last week.

A deal to fund the development was agreed by the council and private firm Leisure Connection, in September, after a number of delays.

The centre, which should be fully open to the public by April 2007, will have leisure facilities including a 25m swimming pool, a fitness gym and dance studios.

It will also provide the community with a cafe, a library, a community hall and two GP surgeries.