First image of 36-storey tower at Elephant & Castle Leisure Centre

The current Elephant & Castle Leisure Centre site has been split in two, with the eastern half sold to Lend Lease for residential development which will help to fund a new leisure centre and swimming pool on the western side.

This week Lend Lease and Southwark Council are holding a joint exhibition of the latest proposals for the two schemes.

The high-rise residential development has been designed by Squire & Partners and – controversially – will include no affordable housing.

The new leisure centre, designed by John McAslan with S&P, will include a six-lane 25-metre swimming pool but less general sports hall space than the current building. The council says it will make an announcement on the future provision of squash courts in the borough in the coming months.

"For anyone thinking of moving to Elephant and Castle, or those who already live in this buzzing part of central London, this will be welcome news," says Cllr Fiona Colley, Southwark's cabinet member for regeneration.

"It's easy to see how an enjoyable city lifestyle could be further enhanced by superb leisure facilities, as well as new shopping and recreation opportunities. I'm anticipating lots of interest and welcome people's feedback on what promises to be an exciting project."

Rob Deck, Lend Lease project director for Elephant & Castle, said: "We are very pleased to be able to reveal the proposals of the developing scheme to the community and to show the good progress we have made since the last exhibition in January.

"We want the local community and residents to be involved at every stage and we urge people to attend the exhibition to share their thoughts and help shape the future of the leisure centre and the surrounding area."

The exhibition at Elephant & Castle Leisure Centre is open as follows:
Saturday 24 March 10am-5pm
Monday 26 March 12 noon-8pm
Tuesday 27 March 12 noon-8pm