REGENERATION plans to transform an old hospital site have been given a boost with a cash injection of almost £190,000.

The transformation of the former Greenwich District Hospital site is a step closer to getting off the ground after Greenwich Council agreed to release the funds needed to progress the development.

By 2010 it is hoped the three-hectare site, on the corner of Woolwich Road and Vanburgh Hill, will have affordable housing, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a library and a doctors' surgery.

The council is working in partnership on the development, known as the Heart of East Greenwich Project, with national regeneration agency English Partnerships (EP).

The cost of the entire project is currently undisclosed but will be co-funded by both the public and private sectors.

The council was able to stump up the cash after making £87,000 from selling land in Gallions Road, Charlton, and £100,000 from the sale of Federation Hall, Federation Road, Abbey Wood.

A Greenwich Council spokesman said: "Residents have told us they want to see the old Greenwich Hospital site put to good use.

"The £187,000 will be used to finance an effective project management team to ensure the proposals put forward are implemented to optimum effect to meet with local wishes."

Ideas for the site were first announced in November 2004 after EP bought the site from Greenwich Primary Care Trust and the hospital was demolished in July this year.

A developer for the site will be chosen by the end of the year and a formal planning application will be submitted early next year.

EP area director Phil Dibsdale said: "We are committed to working with the council and the community to ensure the end product meets the needs of this community."