Downham Health and Leisure Centre: Lewisham, London
Project description
The project is a community health, leisure and well-being private finance initiative (PFI) facility which opened in March 2007. It has a range of facilities including a 25m swimming pool, learner pool, fitness suite, badminton court, dance and activity studios, library with associated meeting area and dedicated ICT spaces, exhibition space, café, creche, an Accesspoint for council services, community hall, two GP surgeries, community health care facilities and a dental practice.
The centre is a neighbourhood facility with an estimated catchment area of 20 minutes' drive time. However, it does attract customers from further afield for swimming galas and some school events. The leisure centre, GP surgeries and library make up the largest proportion of the centre.
Aims and objectives
The facility aims to provide excellent health, information, leisure and cultural facilities.
Services offered
The centre offers a wide range of services, including:
- 25m swimming pool and teaching pool
- First class changing facilities
- Community hall that can be hired by local community groups
- Multi-purpose studio for martial arts and classes
- Health care facilities, GP surgeries, community health, specialist community dental practice
- Youth IT facilities
- State of the art library
- Floodlit astroturf area
- Cafe to relax after your activity or arrange to meet friends
- Harpers Fitness Suite
- Aerobics studio featuring a programme of the latest classes
Benefits of co-location
There are immediate benefits to the local community in providing a ‘one stop shop’ for services that can be used on a regular basis. Overall, the Private Finance Initiative is in place for 33 years. Extending costs over that period leads to savings in delivery costs. The management board expects additional savings in ancillary services such as cleaning and maintenance.
Success factors
Services have developed a community engagement plan which means they can act together. They can also inform, and engage with, local people and organisations.
Risk factors
The schedule for the building work was very tight and there were risks that it might not be completed as agreed. Use may not be as great as expected because of limited car parking however a green travel plan aims to tackle some of this.
Business/operational model
The centre is managed by Leisure Connection.
Financing and delivery/procurement
Scheme was delivered by a consortium of companies through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI). In particular the Library PFI is a long term project – 32 years and has a total value over £50m. Government funding covers the part of the contract costs relating to repayment of capital and life cycle maintenance. The Council and PCT are funding the remaining element not covered by the Government
Measurement and monitoring
A management board oversees the full project through a management agreement between Lewisham Council and Linteum Limited. The facility has a clear self-monitoring system which is based on outcomes with a linked payment mechanism. The subsidy takes the form of PFI credits.
