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Deputy for culture Councillor Alyson McGarrigle and Downham resident Eileen Ganney celebrating the news outside Downham baths, which were closed in 1996

RECREATIONAL, leisure and health facilities in Downham have received a £10m boost from the Government.

Cash totalling £10.6m has been made available under the Private Finance Initiative and will be used to provide much-needed services.

The Downham baths and library will be demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art lifestyle centre.

The centre will include a 25m pool, fitness studio, gym, library, community room, music and drama studio, creche and two GP surgeries.

Existing pitches on Downham playing fields will be retained mini-soccer facilities, a children's play area, footpaths and public seating will be created.

Campaigning resident Eileen Ganney, who celebrated the windfall with deputy for culture Councillor Alyson McGarrigle, said: “This is fantastic news for Downham and especially for the young people who will now get the facilities they have been crying out for.”

Cllr McGarrigle said: “I hope the news will boost those residents who have campaigned for much-needed community facilities.

We will now be able to provide the first-class facilities they truly deserve.”

Lewisham Council will now be looking for proposals from prospective contractors to create the new facilities. Their role will include upkeep of the buildings and management of leisure services.

Lewisham East MP Bridget Prentice said: “This will be great news to the many people who have worked tirelessly over the years to support new investment in Downham.

“This new government commitment will give thousands of people the facilities they have wanted for years and restore focus and pride to the entire Downham area.”

5:11pm Monday 16th July 2001

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